MK1 Lunar Lander Sr. Controls Engineer

Employer 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!  

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

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

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will join our MK1 Lunar Lander Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) team with an emphasis on Flight Controls. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of developing and testing control laws and flight software for spacecraft traveling from the Earth to the Moon! You will also prototype algorithms, conduct trade studies for control architectures, and perform linear stability analyses using classical and modern approaches. Expect to collaborate closely with other subsystems and spacecraft systems engineers to support the definition of subsystem boundaries, interfaces, and technical performance measures. In this capacity, you will be responsible for exemplifying proven practices, balanced technical judgment, and for demonstrating outstanding work ethic.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact the safe exploration of the solar system. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions [Edit or remove as needed]

Relocation provided
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop and sustain flight control algorithms for spacecraft operating complex missionsImplement controls algorithms and subsystem component models in an integrated 6-DOF simulation environment using Simulink, C/C++, and PythonPerform trade studies driving maturity of detailed spacecraft and mission designCollaborate with communication, propulsion, structures, fluids, and mechanisms subsystems to ensure system level design closureDevelop and maintain software for flight systems and simulationsIntegrate and test software in SIL and HIL environmentsDevelop toolsets for automated requirements, configuration, and performance analysesSupport internal and external reviews with data products and reportsMinimum Qualifications

B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics with 12+ years of experience or M.S. with 10+ years of experienceDeep knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, attitude kinematics and dynamicsEstablished background in GN&C algorithm development specifically for flight and attitude control using classical and modern control methodsKnowledgeable in frequency domain analysis techniquesRobust understanding of controller stability derivatives and stability margins with respect to spacecraft dynamics, flexible body dynamics, and slosh dynamicsDemonstrated experience with control law design for aerospace vehiclesPrior hands-on experience in guidance algorithm design, review, and testing for aerospace vehicles, in addition to a primary background in flight controlsWorking knowledge of guidance algorithm fundamentals—such as trajectory generation, reference tracking, and powered-descent or ascent guidance—and their interaction with the control subsystemDemonstrated ability to review and verify guidance algorithm implementations against requirements and mission performance objectivesFamiliarity with development of requirements, interfaces, trades and analyses for aerospace GN&C applicationsUnderstand the relationship between attitude control, vehicle configuration, spacecraft dynamics, actuators, sensors, and automationHands-on development with Simulink and C/C++Experience with collaboration tools such as Gitlab, Confluence, and JIRAStrong grasp of software and data configuration management techniques and toolsHighly organized teammate with excellent technical written and verbal communication skillsAbility to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and give to a culture of safety.Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. focused on spacecraft guidance, trajectory optimization, or dynamics and controlsProven experience in development, implementation and testing of GN&C systems for aerospace vehiclesProven technical experience through the full lifecycle of system developmentProficiency in various control methods such as PID, Phase-Plane, H-Infinity, Lead and Lag Compensators, Dynamic Inversion, etc.Experience developing and testing guidance algorithms for powered descent, landing, ascent, or orbital transfer phasesFamiliarity with trajectory optimization techniques and convex or nonlinear guidance formulationsExperience integrating and validating coupled guidance-and-control algorithms in 6-DOF simulation environmentsProven experience leading or supporting guidance algorithm design reviews and associated verification and test campaignsExperience designing flight control systems with reaction control systems (RCS), thrust vector control (TVC), or electric propulsionExperience providing GN&C support during on-orbit mission operationsExperience synthesizing and evaluating Monte Carlo simulations, hardware-in-the-loop, and software-in-the-loop testingExperience with NASA software, simulation tools, and environments (Trick/JEOD/cFS)Experience with validation and verification approaches such as software unit testing, system simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing or coordinated subsystem testingExperience with full-lifecycle software development from requirements definition through deployment
 Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35 WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

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 CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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.

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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.