Director - Avionics, GNC & Electronics

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 part of a hardworking team of talented spacecraft development engineers, you will manage the development and delivery of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Subsystem for an advanced spaceflight vehicle. Your responsibilities will include synthesis of algorithms, creation of flight software, derivation and development of subsystem requirements, performing analyses and trade studies, and supporting the full lifecycle of GN&C subsystem design through flight completion. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required! Responsibilities: Lead GN&C development team including GN&C Software/Algorithm development, 6 DOF simulation, sensor selection (star trackers, sun sensors, GPS, IMUs), reaction wheel sizing and selection, GN&C analysis and architecture, and flight autonomy Manage the technical team of experienced GN&C analysts, system engineers, software, and hardware engineers Responsible for cost & schedule execution, vendor selection and vendor management Lead GN&C HIL support and support integration of algorithms into flight SW Lead and perform analyses, simulations, and tests (including component and hardware-in-the-loop) to verify component and subsystem specifications and requirements Lead development of verification and validation plans to ensure software and hardware components, and the integrated subsystem will perform as specified to meet system and subsystem requirements Provide technical direction and oversight to development of sensor solutions by suppliers Manage technical risks for the GN&C subsystem, develop and execute mitigation plans Support the project manager for updates to schedule, resources, cost, and risks Lead subsystem gated reviews, and support program reviews Lead on-vehicle functional testing and flight demonstration testing of the GN&C subsystem Qualifications: B.S. degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering or related disciplines with at least 10 years of design experience Experience in development and analysis of GN&C algorithms Experience in leading the full development lifecycle of an GN&C subsystem on at least one aerospace program Experience in managing technical teams Solid system engineering and configuration management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Highly organized and capable of planning and guiding complex technical work Ability to execute in a dynamic, fast-paced, and driven work environment Desired: M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering or related disciplines Demonstrated experience with MATLAB and Simulink and associated autocoding practices Demonstrated experience in development and testing of navigation sensors and control actuators Demonstrated experience in implementation and testing of GN&C software and hardware Demonstrated advanced knowledge in the development of planetary spacecraft GN&C systems Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $218,262.00 - $305,566.80 CO applicants is $206,673.00 - $289,342.20 WA applicants is $218,262.00 - $305,566.80 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. California Applicant Privacy Notice