GNC Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a GNC Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for launch and reentry vehicles. You will develop trajectories, run trade studies, and support hardware/software integration to ensure vehicle performance and safety.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, apply MATLAB/Simulink skills, and contribute to verification plans, while communicating effectively in a fast-paced, safety-focused

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical or related field.
• 5+ years of GNC design, development, and analysis experience.
• Experience constructing trajectories for launch/reentry.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.
• Strong spacecraft/launch vehicle dynamics and control knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and simulate GNC algorithms for launch and reentry vehicles.
• Develop and analyze vehicle trajectories from pre-launch to landing.
• Perform trade studies to optimize GNC performance.
• Develop and execute GNC verification and validation plans.
• Support integration and testing of GNC hardware and software.
• Analyze flight data to assess GNC performance and improvements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

Skills

GNC design

Trajectory analysis

MATLAB/Simulink

Control theory

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

C/C++

Python

Hardware-in-the-loop

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As a GNC Systems Engineer, you will be a part of a hardworking team of engineers and apply your technical expertise to the development, implementation, and verification of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system for our launch and reentry systems. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the performance and reliability of our vehicle’s trajectory and control systems. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, analyze, and simulate GNC algorithms for launch and reentry vehicles.
• Develop and analyze vehicle trajectories, from pre-launch to landing/splashdown.
• Perform trade studies to optimize vehicle performance and GNC system design.
• Develop and execute GNC system verification and validation plans.
• Support the integration and testing of GNC hardware and software.
• Analyze flight data to assess GNC system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, to ensure a successful vehicle design.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in GNC systems design, development, and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in trajectory construction for launch and/or reentry systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, or similar simulation and analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft/launch vehicle dynamics and control theory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with C, C++, or Python.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems.
• Knowledge of space environment effects on vehicle dynamics.
• Familiarity with space mission analysis and design tools.

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.

Base Pay Range for:

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

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

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