Controls Engineer III

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 130,706 - 182,987; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Educational Support Program

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin is looking for a Controls Engineer in Seattle to lead the development and maturation of control algorithms for advanced systems in aerospace. This role requires expertise in dynamic modeling, simulation, and control system analysis, with opportunities to influence the future of spaceflight.

The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. in a relevant engineering field and a minimum of 5 years of experience, along with proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits await the right individual.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in control theory and feedback systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop control algorithms and control laws for dynamic systems.
• Validate models and simulations including fluid dynamics.
• Perform stability and performance analysis.

Skills

Control system design and analysis

MATLAB/Simulink

Dynamic modeling

System dynamics

Education

B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or STEM

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Overview

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We are 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.

This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, specifically the Engines - Advanced Engines segment, where the focus is on the design, development, testing, and operation of advanced systems that power the next generation of Blue Origin programs. As a Controls Engineer, you will develop and mature the control algorithms and control laws that govern safe, predictable system behavior across startup, steady‑state operation, and shutdown.

Location

• Location: Kent, WA or Huntsville, AL
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is provided.
• Travel: Approximately 20% to support control system analysis activities, model correlation, and test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, and mature control algorithms and control laws for complex dynamic systems.
• Build and validate dynamic models and simulations of system behavior, including fluid dynamics, valves, and actuators (MATLAB/Simulink, state‑space modeling).
• Perform control systems analysis (CSA): stability, robustness, sensitivity, and performance trades.
• Apply model prediction techniques to anticipate system response and inform control design.
• Correlate models against development and integrated test data; refine algorithms based on results.
• Define control and instrumentation requirements and interface with the Design Office, avionics, software, and test teams.
• Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and integrated test activities to verify control performance.
• Lead control architecture decisions, mentor junior engineers, and drive cross‑program lessons learned.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Level III: 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in control system design and analysis (control theory, feedback systems, stability analysis).
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and simulation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling fluid/thermal dynamics, valves, actuators, or other complex dynamic systems.
• Familiarity with MathWorks adjacent products (Speedgoat, Stateflow) and real‑time/HIL environments.
• Experience with model prediction, system identification, and optimization.
• Experience correlating models to test data in a development environment.
• Knowledge of digital control implementation and instrumentation/sensor selection.

Compensation

WA applicants: $130,706.00 - $182,987.70. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• 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 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.

Background Check

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

Export Control Regulations

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

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 at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.