Sr. Automation 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! Blue Origin Operations is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This role supports Manufacturing and Supply Chain across all Blue Origin facilities. Sr. Automation Controls Engineer About This Role Blue Origin's Factory Automation team is part of the Advanced Manufacturing organization within Operations, serving as the in-house automation integrator responsible for designing, building, and deploying custom equipment and systems that enable scalable, repeatable production across Blue Origin's manufacturing business units. We build manufacturing capability from the ground up – developing automated solutions that directly drive the delivery of Blue Origin's products across current and future programs. We are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer who brings deep hands‑on expertise in industrial controls design and automation systems integration – someone who thrives in a build‑it‑and‑commission‑it environment, moves with urgency, and takes full technical ownership from concept through production ramp‑up. This role goes beyond pure controls engineering: you will drive projects end‑to‑end, navigating R&D, design, build, installation, and commissioning while coordinating across a broad range of stakeholders and disciplines. You will define control system architectures, set technical standards, and deliver solutions that work in the real world – including challenging product design teams to design for automated manufacturing when requirements complicate scalable automation. A passion for our mission – and for the discipline of building systems that work – is essential. Responsibilities Collaborate with applications engineers in the development of conceptual automated manufacturing equipment, providing controls architecture input and feedback from concept through detailed design. Design control system architectures including network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, and communication protocols. Lead industrial controls and electrical design of bespoke automation systems. Develop offline simulations of automated systems – ranging from discrete work cells to fully automated product lines – to validate control logic, robot paths, cycle times, and system behavior from concept through final design, including pre‑programming and virtual commissioning prior to hardware availability. Transition from offline development to online debugging and commissioning of PLC, HMI, robot, and similar industrial controls programs from scratch. Integrate auxiliary equipment, machines, and tools into unified control systems. Work with panel fabricators and field installation teams; provide technical support during system integration and commissioning. Lead factory and site acceptance testing. Lead the build, installation, commissioning, and start‑up of automated manufacturing systems. Create and deliver controls documentation packages including sequence of operations, I/O lists, network diagrams, and program documentation. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, or related engineering field. Minimum 6 years of hands‑on experience developing and integrating industrial controls and automation systems from scratch – including PLC and HMI programming, control system architecture design, and broad exposure to industrial automation platforms such as robots, material handling systems (gantries, AGVs, conveyors), CNC machine integration, NDT, assembly, testing, and process tools. Demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings. Experience with industrial safety system design including functional safety devices, safety PLCs, and safety‑rated circuits. Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with industrial automation and machine safety standards (IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA R15.06, IEC 62061 / ISO 13849) and experience supporting formal risk assessments. Experience utilizing industrial automation simulation software for offline programming, virtual commissioning, and full production line simulation – including tools such as Plant Simulate, Process Simulate, Visual Components, KUKA.Sim, RobotStudio, or similar. Experience with industrial machine vision systems, including custom application development using platforms such as Cognex – encompassing out‑of‑the‑box configuration, novel programming, and machine learning–based inspection and guidance solutions. Experience building, modifying, and troubleshooting electrical control panels. Experience with electrical design for industrial control systems using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical CAD platforms. Demonstrated history of delivering custom automated manufacturing systems from concept through production ramp‑up. Compensation Range for WA applicants: $197,529.00 – $276,539.55. Other site ranges may differ. Benefits 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; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. 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 workforce. 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. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's affirmative action plans or requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and/or interview process may contact 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Origin