Sr. Navigation Engineer

Blue Origin; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 156,802 - 219,522; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Stock options

Paid time off

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin in California is seeking a Senior Navigation Engineer to design and validate navigation algorithms for INS, focusing on Kalman filters and sensor modeling. You will integrate navigation components within the GNC/avionics stack and lead verification across simulations and hardware-in-the-loop tests.

The role requires strong programming skills (C++/Python), deep knowledge of inertial sensors and GPS, and mentoring experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5–10 years of experience in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
• Expertise in Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Strong understanding of inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS technology.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for simulation and analysis.
• Programming skills in C++ or Python for algorithm development.
• Ability to lead technical projects and mentor engineers.
• U.S. citizen or eligible status per export control rules.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms with a focus on Kalman filters for INS.
• Model and simulate inertial sensors and GPS receivers to analyze performance.
• Lead integration of navigation components into the GNC and avionics architecture.
• Develop and execute test plans for verification in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Analyze sensor data to calibrate IMUs and other navigation sensors.
• Troubleshoot navigation issues found during testing and operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Kalman filters

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Navigation systems

Mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. (preferred)

Job description

Overview

Senior Navigation Engineer in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team supports Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. The role focuses on developing, analyzing, and testing navigation algorithms and systems, including estimation algorithms such as Kalman filters, for real-world applications. This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) and collaborates to foster innovation, standards, and manufacturable designs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms, with a primary focus on Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Model and simulate inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS receivers to analyze and predict navigation system performance.
• Lead the integration of navigation components into the broader GNC and avionics architecture.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify and validate navigation system performance in both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Analyze sensor data to characterize and calibrate inertial measurement units (IMUs) and other navigation sensors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex navigation-related issues found during testing and operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in the field of navigation systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and systems engineers, to deliver integrated solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5-10 years of experience in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS technology.
• Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• Solid programming skills in C++ or Python for algorithm development and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• 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

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with a focus on estimation theory or navigation.
• Experience with tightly-coupled and loosely-coupled GPS/INS integration.
• Hands-on experience with testing and validating navigation systems on hardware.
• Knowledge of other navigation techniques, such as terrain-relative navigation, star trackers, or visual odometry.
• Familiarity with navigation system software and hardware development for safety-critical applications.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range for CA applicants: $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

Base Pay Range for CO applicants: $144,179.00 - $201,849.90

Base Pay Range for WA applicants: $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

Note: Other site ranges may differ.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? You are encouraged to apply anyway. We value authentic workplaces and believe you may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants 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

• Blue's Standard Background Check required for all positions.
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if role requires access to military installations.
• Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as applicable.
• Merchant Mariner Credential may be required for certain roles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and Education Support Program.
• Stock options for regular employees (minimum 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year plus up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Benefits and bonuses may vary by role type and job level and are subject to change.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote based on qualifications, performance, and abilities, and provide equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. See Know Your Rights for more information.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

For information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans or to request a reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact [e-mail]. Do not include personal medical information in requests.