Software Engineer, Motion Controls & Manufacturing Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match up to 5%

Education Support Program

Stock options

Paid Time Off up to 4 weeks + holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Software Engineer to design, build, and control custom manufacturing hardware for metal additive manufacturing. This hands-on role spans software architecture, embedded systems, motion control, and CAD/CAM integration to enable reliable, scalable manufacturing for spaceflight.

You will develop C++ software for machine motion, integrate the motion control system, and build data workflows connecting machine execution to facility decisions, collaborating with design,

Qualifications

• BS in CS/CE/ME or related field.
• 5+ years in C++ software development.
• Experience with motion control hardware integration.
• Experience interfacing with industrial hardware (PLCs/NI).
• Strong systems-level thinking and collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with CNC/additive manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop C++ software for 2D/3D path/geometry generation to drive machine motion and produce target geometry.
• Design, build, and integrate the motion control system for a custom metal 3D printer.
• Develop software to control manufacturing processes at machine and facility levels.
• Architect and implement embedded system software for data acquisition and control hardware.
• Build automated data integrations/workflows for process data access.
• Identify opportunities for reliability, efficiency, and automation across manufacturing processes.

Skills

C++

motion control

robotics

CNC/additive manufacturing

data acquisition

team collaboration

Education

BS in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

PLC/NI hardware

motion controllers

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Software Engineer to design, build, and control custom manufacturing hardware supporting Blue Origin’s advanced metal additive manufacturing processes — including the design and development of custom machine tools and its motion control system. This is a hands‑on role spanning software architecture, embedded systems, motion control, and CAD/CAM integration, all in service of enabling reliable, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing for safe human spaceflight.

You’ll work at the intersection of machine design, controls, and software — writing the code that drives physical hardware to produce precision geometry, while also building the broader data and automation infrastructure that connects machine‑level execution to facility‑level manufacturing decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Develop C++ software for 2D/3D path/geometry generation to drive machine motion and produce target part geometry
• Design, build, and integrate the motion control system for a custom metal 3D printer machine, including electromechanical subsystem selection, wiring, and software-driven control
• Develop software to control manufacturing processes at both the machine level (real-time motion, sensing, actuation) and facility level (workflow orchestration, data routing)
• Architect and implement embedded system software for data acquisition and control hardware, ensuring reliable, deterministic performance
• Build automated data integrations/workflows so manufacturing engineers, design engineers, and facility operators have timely access to relevant process data
• Identify and drive opportunities for improved reliability, efficiency, and automation across manufacturing processes — own the technical architecture and roadmap
• Identify and close gaps in available manufacturing data to support better engineering and operational decisions
• Conduct code reviews and architectural reviews; maintain code quality and documentation standards
• Plan and implement unit/integration tests; maintain CI/CD pipelines for manufacturing software

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of industry experience in C++ software development, ideally with exposure to motion control, robotics, or CNC/additive manufacturing systems
• Experience designing or integrating motion control hardware (servo/stepper drives, motion controllers, encoders) for custom machines
• Experience programming data acquisition and control systems. interfacing with industrial hardware (PLCs, NI hardware, or similar)
• Strong systems‑level thinking — able to bridge mechanical/electrical hardware design with software architecture
• Strong collaboration skills in a multi‑disciplinary, multi‑developer environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with toolpath and trajectory generation
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace, robotics, or advanced manufacturing
• Hands‑on experience building custom machines/hardware from concept through commissioning
• Experience with additive manufacturing processes (metal AM, DED, etc.)
• Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW for test/automation tooling
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI/LLMs into engineering workflows
• Interfacing with industrial hardware (PLCs, NI hardware, or similar)
• Experience with geometry/path generation for machine motion (toolpathing, slicing, or similar)
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software integration (COTS and/or custom tools)

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, 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 Affiantive Action 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.