Senior Controls 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.

As a Control Lead, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced control systems for our next-generation vehicles. You will lead the design, analysis, and verification of control systems, with a special focus on actuation control for reentry and transonic flight regimes. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of our vehicles.

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development of flight control systems, including the design and analysis of control laws for aerodynamic surfaces.
• Oversee the development of models and simulations for flap actuation control systems.
• Conduct analysis and trade studies for vehicle performance in hypersonic reentry and transonic flight regimes.
• Lead the verification and validation of flight control systems through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight testing.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of GNC engineers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful integration of the flight control system with the overall vehicle.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and analysis reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in the design, development, and analysis of flight control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with flap actuation control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of hypersonic and transonic flight dynamics.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and other control system design and analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• Experience with the full lifecycle of flight control system development, from concept to flight.
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight test support.
• Experience with modern control techniques and their application to aerospace vehicles.
• Proficiency in C++ or Python.
• 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.
• 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 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