Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

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!

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. The Senior Automation Controls Engineer in our Factory Automation Group will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of controls and robotic systems for custom automation solutions at Blue Origin, applying their controls, software and manufacturing expertise, leadership principles and dedication to our mission and vision. This includes design of robotic cells and special machines, developing software for PLCs, industrial robots, vision systems, the execution electrical cabinets, motion systems, factory layouts as well as collaborating with the mechanical teams to ensure seamless system performance. This role requires a hands-on individual with experience designing custom machines and robotic applications from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design electrical panels and software for automation equipment, including tooling, fixtures, robotic cells, and custom machines.
• Create schematics and diagrams using ECAD.
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and technical documentation.
• Program and configure controls and automation devices out of the box.
• Design, program and integrate robotic systems, including external axes.
• Provide production support for sophisticated manufacturing equipment and initiatives to improve reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (customer, tooling, project management, manufacturing) to define requirements and deliver complete solutions.
• Ensure controls and software designs meet functional requirements, manufacturability standards, safety codes, and project guidelines.
• Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and system integration.
• Support the fabrication, assembly, and installation phases of automation projects.
• Provide support for project life cycle, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer interface.
• Research and apply new devices, components, and technologies to improve system performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Support initiatives to improve the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes through automation; accomplish the technical architecture, roadmap, and implementation.
• Improve existing systems for optimal performance and reliability.
• Conduct feasibility studies, prototyping, and/or process simulations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, automation or related field
• 10+ years of experience in electrical and software design for automation, robotics, or industrial equipment environment.
• 10+ years of experience designing and supporting automation equipment with advanced understanding of and demonstrated ability to implement new processes and automation technologies.
• Proficiency in ECAD (AutoCAD Electrical, ePlan) and Automation Software (TIA Portal, Studio 5000, TwinCAT, WinCC)
• Experience working with PLCs and developing code from scratch for different automation platforms (Siemens, Beckhoff, Rockwell)
• Strong understanding of machine design, motion systems and pneumatic actuators.
• Experience working with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Experience with robotic systems (e.g., KUKA, FANUC, ABB, etc.) and overall system integration.
• Working knowledge of safety and ergonomic standards for industrial automation.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer support and system installations.
• Experience in a fast-paced, custom automation environment.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on problem-solving abilities
• Ability to communicate optimally, clearly, and with humility to partners.
• High-level of attention to detail, ensuring precision and accuracy in all engineering tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a system integrator or custom industrial automation company.
• Experience with CNC Machine integration.
• Proficient with SCADA Platforms (Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk).
• Exposure to systems with large part tooling designs and the logistics involved.
• Hands-on experience with control systems, robotics, and automated industrial equipment, machines, and processes
• Ability to interpret and review mechanical drawings.
• Experience with project and ticket management.
• Ability to create 3D layouts and robot simulations.

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