Blue Origin
Senior Mission Design Engineer
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. 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.
Responsibilities and 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
MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
5+ years of experience focused on 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 California applicants: $152,235.00 – $213,127.95 per year Colorado applicants: $139,979.00 – $195,969.90 per year Washington applicants: $152,235.00 – $213,127.95 per year
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with up to 5% company match, Education Support Program
Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year and up to 14 company‑paid holidays
Discretionary bonus structure tied to performance
Eligibility for benefits varies by role type; check with recruiter for details
Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” see here.
Background Check
Standard background check required for all positions
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check required if the role involves a military installation
Other specialized checks may apply based on specific job profiles
Export Control Regulations Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, or individuals granted asylum.
Certifications and Security Clearances Operating certain roles may require an Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance and polygraph. Security clearance levels will be determined based on the assigned role.
How to Apply To apply, submit your application through Blue Origin's career portal. Refs increase your chances of interviewing. Candidates with California residency can refer to the California Applicant Privacy Notice.
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Responsibilities and 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
MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
5+ years of experience focused on 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 California applicants: $152,235.00 – $213,127.95 per year Colorado applicants: $139,979.00 – $195,969.90 per year Washington applicants: $152,235.00 – $213,127.95 per year
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with up to 5% company match, Education Support Program
Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year and up to 14 company‑paid holidays
Discretionary bonus structure tied to performance
Eligibility for benefits varies by role type; check with recruiter for details
Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” see here.
Background Check
Standard background check required for all positions
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check required if the role involves a military installation
Other specialized checks may apply based on specific job profiles
Export Control Regulations Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, or individuals granted asylum.
Certifications and Security Clearances Operating certain roles may require an Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance and polygraph. Security clearance levels will be determined based on the assigned role.
How to Apply To apply, submit your application through Blue Origin's career portal. Refs increase your chances of interviewing. Candidates with California residency can refer to the California Applicant Privacy Notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr