Deep Space Mission Design Engineer III

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a skilled mission design engineer to own trajectory development for complex space missions. You will design high‑ and low‑thrust trajectories, work on lunar transfers, multi‑body orbits, and deep‑space mission planning from concept through flight operations.

You will implement trajectory optimization using Python, Monte Carlo analyses, and integrate with flight dynamics software. Strong collaboration across teams and mentorship of junior designers are expected.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering or PhD with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Own lifecycle mission design including requirements, reviews, rehearsals and flight operations.
• Design and optimize high‑thrust and low‑thrust trajectories for lunar, interplanetary, and deep‑space missions.
• Develop trajectory and maneuver algorithms in Python, Julia, and Monte Carlo workflows.
• Perform live maneuver operations and assist with orbit determination and targeting.
• Collaborate across teams and mentor junior mission designers.

Skills

Astrodynamics

Orbital mechanics

Python

C++

Monte Carlo

Trajectory optimization

Vehicle design

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Monte

Copernicus

EMTG

GMAT

STK/Astrogator

Jira

Git

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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!

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs. Blue Origin's In-Space Systems business unit operates spacecraft across some of the most demanding regimes in spaceflight, from geostationary orbit to cislunar space and interplanetary destinations. Blue Ring, our multi-mission space vehicle, is expanding where we fly and what our mission design capabilities must do. This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

You’ll join the Astrodynamics and Trajectory Execution (ATX) team, which is responsible for end-to-end trajectory design and ground navigation within In-Space Systems. We are growing ATX to fly missions to the Moon and Mars using high-thrust and low-thrust propulsion, and to build an operational deep-space mission design capability from the ground up. In this hands‑on role, you will independently own significant portions of the mission design process for an entire mission, spanning analysis, software development, and live flight operations, helping shape how our team designs trajectories for years to come.

Your Impact

• Own Lifecycle Mission Design: Drive mission design through mission‑level requirements, gated reviews, mission rehearsals, and flight operations. Author trajectory design reports, maneuver plans, and operations procedures.
• Design and Optimize Trajectories: Design and optimize high‑thrust and low‑thrust trajectories, including lunar transfers, libration point and multi‑body orbits, lunar frozen and low lunar orbits, interplanetary cruise, planetary capture, interplanetary low‑thrust transfers, and many‑revolution spirals, accounting for tracking geometry and navigation performance.
• Fly Deep Space Missions: Design deterministic, trajectory correction, statistical, orbit insertion, and station‑keeping maneuvers from launch through end of mission. Perform live maneuver operations, making maneuver‑readiness recommendations under real‑time constraints, and partner with navigators to incorporate orbit determination solutions into targeting and assess burn performance.
• Define Launch Periods and Mission Timelines: Determine launch periods and deliver daily launch targets through the launch vehicle interface control document. Own the trajectory‑driven timelines that anchor mission CONOPS.
• Own Delta‑V Budgets and Mission Performance: Maintain deterministic, statistical, and margin delta‑v allocations across high‑thrust and low‑thrust phases that result in feasible mission architectures. Lead trajectory contributions to performance analysis cycles that verify and validate mission requirements, using ATX's AWS‑powered Monte Carlo capability.
• Develop Maneuver Algorithms and Tools: Develop and test trajectory and maneuver algorithms in Python, Julia, and Monte. Partner with the flight dynamics software architect to infuse them into ATX's Monte‑based flight dynamics system.
• Drive Automation: Automate trajectory design, maneuver planning, and analysis workflows as ATX scales toward fleet‑level operations, including through generative AI.
• Collaborate and Grow the Team: Work with ATX, propulsion, systems engineering, flight operations, and launch provider teams. Represent mission design in reviews, and mentor junior mission designers.
• Deliver with Agile Discipline: Scope, estimate, and plan work in deliverable increments, using tools such as Jira and git.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D. with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of astrodynamics and orbital mechanics, with demonstrated experience designing spacecraft trajectories and high‑thrust maneuvers, including impulsive maneuver design and targeting.
• Demonstrated experience applying low‑thrust trajectory optimization through research, mission studies, or flight projects, using methods such as optimal control theory, direct and indirect methods, multiple shooting, or nonlinear programming.
• Proficiency in at least one of Python, Julia, or C++, with experience developing and testing analysis or operational software.
• Applied experience with trajectory design tools such as Monte, Copernicus, EMTG, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or STK/Astrogator.
• Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations, mission rehearsals, or comparable time‑critical operational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, scope ambiguous technical problems, and deliver results with minimal oversight.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presenting technical results in design reviews and authoring technical documentation.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• 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

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience designing cislunar or interplanetary trajectories, including multi‑body dynamics, libration point orbits, lunar orbits, or planetary capture.
• Experience designing interplanetary low‑thrust transfers or many‑revolution spirals on a flight project in formulation, development, or operations.
• Applied experience in the Monte toolkit, including infusing algorithms into operational flight dynamics software.
• Experience with trajectory dispersion analysis, Monte Carlo methods, and statistical maneuver analysis.
• End‑to‑end mission lifecycle experience (SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR, rehearsals), including live maneuver operations during mission‑critical events, ideally on a deep‑space mission.
• Experience owning a mission design product for a mission phase, such as launch targets, a maneuver plan, or an operations procedure.
• Experience mentoring engineers and communicating effectively across a distributed team.
• Experience with DevOps practices and tooling, including configuration control, CI/CD, code review, Jira, git, Docker, Terraform, and Ansible.
• Experience using generative AI tools to expedite and automate your workflow.
• Current TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, or willingness to obtain and maintain one.

Base Pay Range for:

• VA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70
• CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55
• 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, 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

• 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 Affinitive 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.

Blue Origin Vision

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Thank You

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin!

Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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