Simulation Engineer III, Autonomy & Robotics

blueorigin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Simulation Engineer III to design, build, and operate high-fidelity digital environments and testbeds for autonomous space systems. You will work with AI/ML, GNC, and vehicle systems engineers to push the boundaries of our simulation capabilities and ensure robustness and readiness for mission-critical software.

The role emphasizes C++/Python development, HIL/SIL testbed implementation, and faster-than-real-time Monte Carlo campaigns to validate autonomy algorithms and sensor

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience developing and utilizing complex, physics-based simulations for aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard simulation frameworks (Gazebo/Ignition, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, Chrono).
• Strong software development skills in C++ and Python.
• Hands-on experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation design and execution.
• Experience modeling rigid body dynamics and sensor modalities (cameras, IMUs, LiDAR).

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments using frameworks such as Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, and other industry-standard tools.
• Create and validate physics-based models of vehicle dynamics, actuator responses, and environmental interactions (e.g., lunar regolith mechanics).
• Develop accurate sensor models for cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, and other sensor modalities essential for autonomous navigation and perception.
• Design, implement, and operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testbeds to validate flight software and autonomy algorithms against real hardware.
• Execute large-scale, faster-than-real-time simulation campaigns for Monte Carlo analysis, performance characterization, and formal verification of autonomous systems.
• Collaborate with AI/ML teams to generate high-quality synthetic data for training and testing perception and navigation models.
• Develop tools and infrastructure for simulation automation, data analysis, and results visualization.

Skills

C++

Python

HIL

Gazebo/Isaac Sim

sensor modeling

ROS/ROS2

Education

B.S. in CS/Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical

M.S./Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

Gazebo/Ignition

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

Chrono

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 part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for building the simulation capabilities that enable the future of robotic space exploration. We are developing the next generation of autonomous rovers, landers, and in-space systems that will build a road to space. This role is central to our ability to develop, test, and verify the advanced AI and autonomy software that will make this vision a reality.

The Simulation Engineer III will design, build, and operate high-fidelity digital environments and testbeds. You will work closely with AI/ML engineers, GNC engineers, and vehicle systems engineers to create simulations that push the boundaries of our autonomous systems, ensuring they are robust, reliable, and ready for their mission.

We are looking for someone to join our team who is mission-driven, subscribes to the highest standards of quality, and is passionate about building the future of humanity in space.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, integrate, and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments using frameworks such as Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, and other industry-standard tools.
• Create and validate physics-based models of vehicle dynamics, actuator responses, and environmental interactions (e.g., lunar regolith mechanics).
• Develop accurate sensor models for cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, and other sensor modalities essential for autonomous navigation and perception.
• Design, implement, and operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testbeds to validate flight software and autonomy algorithms against real hardware.
• Execute large-scale,faster-than-real-time simulationcampaigns for Monte Carlo analysis, performance characterization, and formal verification of autonomous systems.
• Collaborate with AI/ML teams to generate high-qualitysynthetic datafor training and testing perception and navigation models.
• Develop tools and infrastructure for simulation automation, data analysis, and results visualization.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience developing and utilizing complex, physics-based simulations for aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with one or more industry-standard simulation frameworks (e.g.,Gazebo/Ignition, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, Chrono).
• Strong software development skills in C++ and Python.
• Hands-on experience withHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)simulation design and execution.
• Experience modeling rigid body dynamics and sensor modalities (e.g., cameras, IMUs, LiDAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Experience developingclosed-loop simulations for aviation or space vehicles(e.g., launch vehicles, spacecraft, planetary rovers, drones).
• Proven experience using simulation forsynthetic data generationto train and validate perception, navigation, or other AI/ML models.
• Experience with robotics middleware such as ROS/ROS2.
• Familiarity with GPU-accelerated computing (CUDA) for simulation and rendering.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines for simulation environments.

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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 (CDL drivers only), 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