Blue Ring Senior Mission Design Engineer

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.
Shape the Future of Space Mobility Through Advanced Trajectory Design
Blue Origin, and in particular the In-Space Business Unit, is pushing the boundaries of space mobility with missions spanning geostationary, cislunar, and heliocentric regimes. Our spacecraft must execute complex maneuvers using broad propulsion systems-from high-thrust chemical to efficient electric propulsion-while navigating by GPS, radiometric tracking, and beyond.
As a Senior Mission Design Engineer, you'll lead groundbreaking trajectory design and optimization work that directly enables these ambitious missions. You'll develop novel algorithms, execute critical maneuvers during live flight operations, and create the software tools that make it all possible.
This role combines cutting-edge research with real-world application-your trajectory designs will guide actual spacecraft to destinations across the solar system. We're looking for someone passionate about pushing the technical envelope while maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision.
Your Impact:

• Pioneer Advanced Algorithms: Develop breakthrough trajectory optimization methods for geostationary, cislunar, and heliocentric missions

• Lead Live Mission Operations: Design and execute critical maneuvers during actual flight operations with real-time decision making

• Build Next-Generation Tools: Create sophisticated maneuver design software in Python, Julia, and Monte toolkit

• Enable Mission Success: Perform Monte Carlo analysis ensuring robust mission performance across broad operational scenarios

• Drive Innovation: Develop and validate cutting-edge maneuvering algorithms for our flight dynamics systems

• Shape Mission Architecture: Support conceptual studies and proposals that define the future of space exploration

• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with navigation teams on operational readiness and system integration

• Deliver Excellence: Present results and support critical design reviews using Agile development methodologies

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• 5+ years of proven experience focused in satellite mission design.
• Experience performing spacecraft maneuvering in flight operations.
• Strong fundamentals in astrodynamics, high-thrust trajectory optimization, and low-thrust trajectory optimization.
• Experience in developing flight dynamics software.
• Applied experience in navigation tools such as Monte, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, Copernicus, or GMAT.
• Experience in at least one of the following languages: Python, Julia, or C++.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the mission design lifecycle from conceptualization through operational flight.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Leadership experience in satellite maneuver operations.
• Experience using the Monte software package.
• Experience with electric propulsion satellite missions.
• Understanding of how to formulate the solution to indirect and direct optimal control algorithms.
• Experience with the development of trajectory design and optimization software.
• Experience defining, planning, and documenting ConOps for spacecraft missions.
• Experience in development of spacecraft through the full engineering lifecycle.
• Experience working on and effectively communicating with a distributed team.
• Experience with DevOps processes including configuration control, continuous development and deployment workflows, Agile methodologies, software code review.
• Previous experience with software development tooling such as Jira, git, Jenkins, Docker and at least one IDE.
• Recognized expert in the community through conference and/or peer reviewed articles
• Active or ability to acquire Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance with Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) with polygraph preferred.

Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $152,235.00-$213,127.95;CO applicants is $139,979.00-$195,969.90;WA applicants is $152,235.00-$213,127.95 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 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 (CDL drivers only), 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.
• 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 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.
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