Ground Autonomy Control Engineer III - New Glenn

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

Job summary

Blue Origin in Seattle, WA is seeking a senior software engineer to design, develop, verify, and deploy ground control applications for the New Glenn program. You will apply model-based development, verification techniques, and autonomous control strategies to support high-cadence launch operations.

You will own configuration management, verification, commissioning, and field troubleshooting, collaborating with launch engineering and operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or related field required.
• Experience with model-based software design and validation.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; strong debugging skills.
• Familiarity with Linux and standard DevOps tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, verify, and deploy ground control software for New Glenn.
• Apply MBSD and verification techniques to autonomous control systems.
• Own configuration management, verification, commissioning, and field troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with launch engineering and operations; leverage AI/LLMs in development.

Skills

Model-based software design

C/C++

Python

Autonomous control systems

Education

B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace, Software, or related field)

Tools

GitLab

Confluence

JIRA ITS

Linux

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!

Role Overview

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will design, develop, verify, and commission software solutions for the ground control systems supporting New Glenn, Blue Origin's heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. You will be designing Ground Control applications using Model Based development and verification techniques for the launch controls facilities.

In this role, you will help implement the overall strategy for autonomous ground control systems - a key enabler for increased launch cadence and efficient operations. You will take ownership of complex technical challenges involved with configuration management, verification, commissioning and in-field troubleshooting.

The role hinges on using "physics-based" controls systems modeling to develop robust controls applications. In addition, you will interact with the launch engineering and the operations team to solicit customer feedback and validate that the controls software meets the needs of the real-world operations scenario. As a senior engineer, you will be ensuring that the products you are responsible for are ready for deployment for a New Glenn Mission and operationally ready.

You will actively leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the development of the autonomous applications. We seek someone who will apply their technical expertise and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is essential!

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace, Software, or related field)
• 5-8 years of experience in the applicable industry and/or a controls-related role in a non-academic, professional setting
• Experience with model-based software design and validation
• Experience in tuning and processing P&ID loops and familiarity in reading schematic drawings
• Experience working in a configuration managed development environment
• Good Knowledge of common programming languages such as C/C++, Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with modeling and simulations
• Experience with software integration
• Experience with StateFlow, State Machine
• Familiarity with DO-178 and/or DO-278
• Familiarity with PLCs or embedded controllers
• Experience in Automotive, Aviation or Space industry
• Experience with Linux
• Experience with GitLab, Confluence, JIRA ITS

Base Pay Range for:

WA 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, 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