Sr. Navigation Engineer (Top Secret Security Clearance Required)

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is hiring a Senior Navigation Engineer to join the GNC and Avionics team in Seattle. You will design and implement Kalman-filter based navigation solutions for INS, model inertial sensors and GPS, and lead integration with the wider architecture.

You will develop test plans for both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop validation, analyze sensor data, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating across hardware, software, and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or a related discipline is required.
• 5–10 years' experience in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
• Expertise designing/implementing Kalman filters for INS.
• Strong knowledge of inertial sensors and GPS technology.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and analysis.
• Programming skills in C++ or Python for algorithm development.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor engineers.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Kalman filters for INS

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Mentoring / technical leadership

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related

Ph.D. in a relevant field focusing on estimation theory or navigation

Tools

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Git

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!

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 a Senior Navigation Engineer in our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge navigation solutions for our advanced systems. You will take a leading role in designing, analyzing, and testing navigation algorithms and systems. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the accuracy, and reliability of our navigation performance. This position requires a deep theoretical understanding and practical ability to develop sophisticated estimation algorithms, including Kalman filters, for real-world applications.

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 (e.g., 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.
• Top Secret Security clearance required

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 for:

CA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90

WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

VA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

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