Senior Deep-Space Navigation Engineer

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin in Reston, VA is seeking a navigation lead for the Astrodynamics and Trajectory Execution team. You will own significant portions of the navigation process from analysis to live flight operations, helping shape how the team navigates missions to deep space.

The role requires strong astrodynamics knowledge, experience with orbit determination, and proficiency in Python, Julia, or C++. You will develop operational navigation software and collaborate across engineering, flight ops, and

Qualifications

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of experience (or Ph.D. with 3+ years).
• Strong knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and estimation theory.
• Experience with radiometric orbit determination using Doppler and range data.
• Proficiency in Python, Julia, or C++, with software development experience.
• Experience with Monte, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
• Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations or live navigation operations.
• Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Own navigation lifecycle from requirements to flight operations.
• Define filter strategies and process Doppler/range data for orbit solutions.
• Lead live navigation operations during launches and deep-space phases.
• Develop and test navigation algorithms in Python, Julia, and C++.
• Develop and validate navigation models for gravity, SRP, drag, and third-body effects.
• Automate navigation workflows and data processing as ATX scales.
• Collaborate with ATX, flight ops, systems engineering, and tracking partners.
• Deliver work in an Agile environment using Jira and git.

Skills

Astrodynamics expertise

Python/Julia/C++

Orbit determination tools

Operational software development

Strong communication

Education

MS in Aerospace Eng + 5+ yrs

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Monte toolkit

STK/ODTK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Docker

Terraform

Ansible

Jira

git

Job description

Blue Origin in Reston, VA is seeking a navigation lead for the Astrodynamics and Trajectory Execution team. You will own significant portions of the navigation process from analysis to live flight operations, helping shape how the team navigates missions to deep space.

The role requires strong astrodynamics knowledge, experience with orbit determination, and proficiency in Python, Julia, or C++. You will develop operational navigation software and collaborate across engineering, flight ops, and