Simulation Engineer III, Autonomy & Robotics

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 165,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Washington state is seeking a Simulation Engineer III to design, build, and operate high-fidelity digital environments and testbeds that enable autonomous space exploration. You will work with AI/ML, GNC, and vehicle systems engineers to push the boundaries of our sim capabilities.

The role emphasizes robust, reliable simulations for future rovers, landers, and in-space systems, with hands-on development in Gazebo, Isaac Sim, and ROS, plus HIL/SIL validation, Monte Carlo

Qualifications

• BS degree in CS/AE/ME/EE or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in physics-based simulations for aerospace/robotics/autonomous systems.
• Proficiency with Gazebo/Ignition, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, Chrono.
• Strong C++ and Python software development skills.
• Hands-on HIL simulation experience.
• Experience modeling rigid body dynamics and sensor modalities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments using Gazebo, Isaac Sim, and other tools.
• Create and validate physics-based models of vehicle dynamics and environmental interactions.
• Develop accurate sensor models for cameras, LiDAR, IMUs.
• Design, implement, and operate HIL and SIL testbeds to validate flight software and autonomy algorithms.
• Execute large-scale, faster-than-real-time simulation campaigns for Monte Carlo analysis and formal verification.
• Collaborate with AI/ML teams to generate synthetic data for training perception and navigation models.
• Develop tools and infrastructure for simulation automation and results visualization.

Skills

C++

Python

HIL simulation

Gazebo/Ignition

ROS/ROS2

Sensor modeling

Physics-based simulations

Education

B.S. in CS/AE/ME/EE or related field

MS or Ph.D. in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Gazebo

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

Chrono

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Application close date

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Role Overview

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 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.

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 with Hardware-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 developing closed-loop simulations for aviation or space vehicles (e.g., launch vehicles, spacecraft, planetary rovers, drones).
• Proven experience using simulation for synthetic data generation to 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

• 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. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affiant plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

U.S. Applicant Privacy Notice EU Applicant Privacy Notice