Lead Ground Navigation Engineer for Lunar Missions

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 173,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Stock options

PTO

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Ground Navigation Engineer to architect next-generation flight dynamics software and define standards for navigation accuracy across lunar programs. You will mentor navigation engineers, coordinate with Deep Space Network partners, and support real-time navigation during critical mission phases.

The role emphasizes leading trades, collaborating across disciplines, and representing Blue Origin to external partners while advancing orbital mechanics and estimation

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical or related field.
• 12+ years in trajectory analysis, flight dynamics or ground navigation.
• Strong track record in orbit determination algorithms.
• Deep radiometric navigation knowledge (Doppler and ranging).
• Fundamentals in astrodynamics and estimation theory.
• Experience with full ground navigation lifecycle and DSN coordination.
• Proficiency in at least one of Julia, Python, C++, Rust, MATLAB.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Guiding Ground Navigation trades using statistical orbit determination.
• Collaborate with GNC, systems engineering, and flight operations.
• Interface with tracking providers and customers.
• Develop flight dynamics software architectures.
• Contribute to live ground navigation operations for lunar missions.
• Review navigation designs across business units.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship in navigation algorithms.

Skills

Trajectory analysis

Flight dynamics

Ground navigation

Orbit determination algorithms

Radiometric navigation techniques

Astrodynamics & orbital mechanics

Estimation theory

Communication skills

Programming: Julia, Python, C++, Rust,

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields

M.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace/Electrical (preferred)

Tools

Julia

Python

C++

Rust

MATLAB

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Ground Navigation Engineer to architect next-generation flight dynamics software and define standards for navigation accuracy across lunar programs. You will mentor navigation engineers, coordinate with Deep Space Network partners, and support real-time navigation during critical mission phases.

The role emphasizes leading trades, collaborating across disciplines, and representing Blue Origin to external partners while advancing orbital mechanics and estimation