Sr. Navigation Engineer (Top Secret Security Clearance Required)

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC seeks a Senior Navigation Engineer to design and implement Kalman-filtered INS navigation algorithms. You will model inertial sensors and GPS, lead GN&C integration, and develop tests in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop. Mentoring junior engineers and cross-disciplinary collaboration are essential.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree and 5–10 years in navigation systems, with MATLAB/Simulink proficiency and C++/Python coding skills. U.S.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering; PhD preferred.
• 5–10 years in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
• Expertise in Kalman filters for INS.
• Strong knowledge of inertial sensors and GPS.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink; coding in C++ or Python.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor engineers.
• U.S. citizen or eligible, with ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement navigation/estimation algorithms with Kalman filters for INS.
• Model inertial sensors and GPS to analyze navigation performance.
• Lead integration into GNC and avionics architecture.
• Develop/test navigation systems in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop.
• Analyze sensor data to characterize IMUs and navigation sensors.
• Troubleshoot navigation issues in testing/operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems teams.

Skills

Kalman filters

Inertial Navigation Systems

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

GPS technology

Mentoring

analytical thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.

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 (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. Affluent Officer and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff… Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff… 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.

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