Backend Engineer Java Jobs in Huntsville, AL (NOW HIRING)

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At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

We are looking for a strong Senior Backend Software Engineer to design and develop robust API infrastructure and platform services for the Operations Technology Platform team. This role is at the heart of our platform engineering mission, where your work will enable full-stack engineering teams and software teams across Blue Origin to build scalable systems and applications. Join us as we build the next generation of our API Gateway and establish the foundation for enterprise connectivity across supply chain and operations!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel to Blue Origin's various manufacturing facilities may be required up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and development of API infrastructure and backend services that power our platform ecosystem
• Architect and implement our API Gateway initiative, enabling secure and efficient connectivity for teams across Blue Origin
• Write high-quality, efficient, and maintainable code in languages such as Java, Python, Go, and C++
• Design and build resilient, scalable microservices and backend systems that support organizational growth
• Implement robust API design patterns, versioning strategies, and documentation to ensure platform usability
• Champion operational excellence through monitoring, observability, and reliability practices; maintain high system uptime
• Lead technical design reviews across the organization, building repeatable processes and standards for backend systems
• Drive continuous improvement of platform infrastructure and deployment pipelines
• Architect and scale AI/ML-capable backend services and infrastructure to support emerging organizational needs
• Mentor junior and mid-level software developers and contribute to team technical excellence

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience designing and deploying software systems in production environments
• Established background in architecting and iterating modern backend systems and microservices
• Demonstrated expertise building scalable APIs and cloud-native backend services
• Proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, or Go for backend development
• Strong understanding of database design, caching strategies, and data persistence patterns
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and containerization technologies
• Demonstrated background in researching and incorporating modern AI/ML tools into backend systems

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience architecting large-scale API infrastructure and platform services
• Deep expertise in microservices architecture, distributed systems, and system design at scale
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and driving architectural decisions
• Track record of building and scaling high-performing engineering teams
• Proven ability to design systems that support organizational growth and multiple use cases
• Experience with API Gateway technologies and enterprise connectivity solutions
• Knowledge of aerospace, manufacturing, supply chain, or test software domains
• Experience architecting and scaling AI/ML solutions and building AI-capable backend systems
• Deep understanding of large language models, generative AI, and emerging AI technologies
• Track record of incorporating AI capabilities into platform services to drive business value
• Experience designing backend infrastructure optimized for machine learning and data processing workloads
• Expertise in integrating LLMs into production systems and managing LLM-based services at scale

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.