SLD Navigation Flight Software Engineer II - Lunar Permanence

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!  

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!

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s multiple Blue Moon lander product lines. To further Blue Origin's mission of having millions of people living and working in space, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As a Navigation Engineer on Lunar Permanence, you will directly contribute to the development of the on-board navigation software for our crewed and uncrewed lunar vehicles. The products developed provide Lunar Permanence vehicles with software to enable unprecedented crew and mass to surface capabilities.

You will directly impact the history of space exploration with a dedication and attention towards safe and reliable spaceflight. You will work directly with NASA and our National Team Partners as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program. You will play a key role in developing the Lunar Permanence transportation system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond the bounds of Earth.

We are looking for our engineers to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of optimal state estimation algorithms for inertial or relative navigation, culminating with their deployment onto a target platform for real-time execution
• Contribute to the development and deployment of embedded navigation software, including sensor interfaces and telemetry management, using C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink
• Contribute to the verification of the navigation software implementation through open-loop and closed-loop Monte Carlo analysis as well as via unit testing
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and test of navigation algorithms for in LEO, translunar, rendezvous, de-orbit, descent, and landing phases of flight
• Collaborate on the implementation of the processor-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, on-vehicle functional testing, and flight testing
• Support the development and execution of component-level navigation test programs, including sensor characterization, sensor modeling, and integrated on-vehicle testing
• Embody the Blue Origin leadership principles

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. or equivalent in computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field with 3+ years of proven experience
• Demonstrated experience in the synthesis of state estimation algorithms and Kalman filters for navigation
• Proven experience with build systems, version control, and testing methodologies
• Strong software development and design skills with emphasis in C++ and Simulink/MATLAB, including skills in debugging and performance optimization
• Experience in verification and test of embedded software and systems
• Operational knowledge of inertial and relative navigation sensors
• 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

• Ph.D. or equivalent in computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field with 2+ years of experience
• Experience in the development, implementation, and test of navigation algorithms for spacecraft navigation
• Experience with hardware and software integration and testing, including experience with sensor device drivers and I/O
• Experience in vehicle rendezvous and proximity operations, ascent/descent navigation, or terrain relative navigation techniques
• Experience in vision-based navigation, and familiar with image processing, and feature detection techniques
• Experience in development of navigation systems that include measurements from optical sensors
• Proven knowledge in the development of planetary spacecraft navigation systems

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $109,980-$153,972

Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $100,815-$141,141

Other site ranges may differ

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

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