Sr. Mission Planning Software Engineer (DoD Clearance)

Rocket Lab; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a seasoned mission planner to join their innovative team focused on space infrastructure and mobility. This role involves building mission timelines, developing operational products, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful space missions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mission planning, a strong engineering background, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing space exploration and making a meaningful impact in the field. If you're passionate about space and ready to tackle exciting challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Paid Time Off

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in mission planning and flight operations.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required for this role.
• Strong understanding of engineering complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Build mission timelines and collaborate with various teams.
• Develop and maintain mission systems requirements.
• Participate in operations for Space Mobility missions.

Skills

Mission planning

Software development standards

Communication skills

Collaboration

Operational fault management

Education

B.S. in aerospace engineering

B.S. in mechanical engineering

B.S. in electrical engineering

B.S. in computer science

B.S. in physics

Tools

OnTime

DOORS Next Generation

Confluence

JIRA

Git

Windchill

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, you will have significant experience in the mission planning of systems that can effectively operate in these types of secure environments. This includes a proven understanding of related capabilities such as the needed software development standards, ensuring secure and efficient communications between various security domains.

You will also implement and maintain the code that allows for mission planning application software that operators will use to fly those vehicles. Key role in crafting, developing, integrating, and maintaining ground-based systems for space missions. In addition, you will work closely with the flight operations team, training team, and all subsystems teams.

This position will report to the In-Space Systems, Ground Capabilities Director.

Responsibilities:

• Build the mission timeline, working with phase leads, vehicle subsystem leads, and the flight operations team to schedule mission events and activities
• Identify, derive, develop, and maintain mission systems requirements as they pertain to mission planning, including traceability and verification and validation approaches
• With the operations team, build operations products (procedures, documentation etc.) that support the mission timeline for both nominal and contingency situations
• Handle a diverse range of needs, constraints, and tasks from collaborators such as engineers working on flight vehicle systems, ground software engineers, flight operations, customers, and program management
• Collaborate with the training team to plan training simulations and other training activities
• Participate in operations for the Space Mobility missions

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided

Minimum Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.
• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Space mission flight operations
• Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development
• Spacecraft telemetry, commanding and sequencing
• Operational fault management
• Former experience as a mission planner or a scheduler on a complex project
• Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• 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 aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
• Experience with mission timeline software tools (for ex. OnTime)
• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners
• First principles knowledge of all major spacecraft subsystems
• Experience with requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation
• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
• Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA
• Familiarity with version control, preferably Git
• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill
• Experience working in a technical training environment for engineers
• Experience working with and proposing to U.S. Government research agencies (e.g. NASA, AFRL, DARPA)

Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $177,567.00-$248,593.80

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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 (DIBDS) 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, 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.

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.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 “EEO Is the Law,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative 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] .

California Applicant Privacy Notice:

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.