Principal Ground Navigation Engineer

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

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will join our Mission Design and Ground Navigation team within the Mission Operations System IPT. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of the trajectory for spacecraft from Earth to the Moon!

As a Principal Ground Navigation Engineer on the Mission Design and Ground Navigation team, you serve as a technical authority for ground-based radiometric measurements and orbit determination. You architect next-generation operational flight dynamics software, define the standards and processes that ensure navigation accuracy across Blue Origin's lunar programs, and mentor a growing team of navigation engineers. Your work directly enables mission success - from establishing tracking data requirements and coordinating with ground station networks, to training flight dynamics operators and providing real-time navigation support during critical mission phases.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Guiding Ground Navigation Trades and Analysis. Apply your subject matter expertise in statistical orbit determination to guide analysis and trades

• Collaborating Across Disciplines. Interface with GNC, systems engineering, and flight operations to ensure ground navigation processes are properly integrated and validated end-to-end

• Representing Blue Origin to External Partners. Interface with tracking providers and customers

• Developing Flight Dynamics Software. Design architectures and build software to meet evolving mission needs

• Performing Ground Navigation Operations. Contribute to live, ground-based orbit determination for both crewed and uncrewed lunar missions

• Collaborating Across Business Units. Serve as a key technical reviewer for navigation-related design reviews across business units

• Mentoring and Leading. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to navigation engineers; establish best practices for algorithm development, testing, and verification

Minimum Qualifications

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

• 12+ years of proven experience focused on trajectory analysis, flight dynamics, or ground navigation

• Strong track record developing and implementing orbit determination algorithms

• Deep expertise in radiometric navigation techniques (Doppler and ranging)

• Strong fundamentals in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and estimation theory

• Applied experience in the full ground navigation lifecycle from conceptualization through operational flight support

• Experience coordinating with the Deep Space Network for tracking and data acquisition

• Proficiency in one or more of: Julia, Python, C++, Rust, or MATLAB

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• 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

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields

• 15+ years of proven experience focused ontrajectory analysis, flight dynamics, or ground navigation

• Experience in cislunar navigation

• Experience leading a navigation team through design, development, and operational flight

• Experience performing spacecraft operations (e.g. navigation support, maneuver planning, or real-time anomaly resolution)

• Experience using the Monte software package

• Experience with DevOps processes including configuration control, continuous development and deployment workflows, Agile methodologies, and software code review.

• Experience with software development tooling such as Jira, git, Jenkins, Docker, Visual Studio, or VSCode

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85

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 Aff
Please contact us at [e-mail]. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.