Instrumentation & Controls Engineer III

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!  

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will design, develop, verify, and commission software solutions for the ground control systems supporting New Glenn, Blue Origin's heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. You will be a primary contributor to the development and maintenance of our common PLC software architecture and applications, supporting ground systems including GSE, EGSE, and launch facilities.

In this role, you will help implement the overall strategy for autonomous ground control systems — a key enabler for increased launch cadence and efficient operations. You will take ownership of complex technical challenges across the full software lifecycle, from requirements development through commissioning and in-field troubleshooting. You will actively leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the product development process and operational frameworks as a core success factor in meeting business goals.

We seek someone who will apply their technical expertise and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is essential!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and contribute to full lifecycle development of controls algorithm software for PLC-based ground systems
• Lead PLC programming development and support commissioning of PLC and motion-control-based systems with software releases
• Assist with SCADA development (Iconics Gen 64 / Hyper Historian®)
• Develop, test, verify, and validate PLC and motion-control-based systems
• Develop and maintain software requirements for ground control systems
• Design and implement autonomy solutions including sequencers, state machines, and fault management deployed on real-time operating systems
• Troubleshoot fielded PLC logic and drive issue resolution to improve product quality
• Implement AI/LLM solutions for controls optimization, system monitoring, and workflow automation to reduce manual workload and improve reliability
• Support New Glenn mission and launch operations
• Guide development and continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and configuration management practices
• Effectively communicate technical decisions and status across internal design teams, operations, Quality, and business units

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls design, integration, and verification
• Expertise in controls algorithm development with PLC software, specifically proficient in Ladder Logic and/or Structured Text
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming
• Experience with Siemens and/or Rockwell control automation systems
• Experience in autonomy, sequencers, state machines, and/or fault management deployed on real-time operating systems
• Experience implementing or integrating AI/LLM solutions in industrial control or software development contexts
• Knowledge of industry-standard network communication protocols
• Familiarity with software lifecycle development processes, configuration management, version control, and change management
• Organized, self-starter capable of breaking down complex problems into traceable tasks
• Excellent judgment and comfort making high-quality and high-velocity decisions
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of an organization
• Meticulous attention to detail and configuration control

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical, Electronics, Aerospace, or a related engineering field
• Experience with Python
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000®, FactoryTalk AssetCentre®, FactoryTalk View®, or Studio 5000 View Designer®
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal
• Experience working with electrical control systems and industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, bridge, accelerometers, and motion/servo controllers
• Experience in aerospace/launch vehicle and ground systems development and operations, including design, integration, verification, launch operations, and anomaly resolution
• Familiarity with software quality assurance standards such as NPR 7150.2 or DO-178
• Understanding of spacecraft operations, subsystem functions, and their interfaces and interactions
• Familiarity with embedded avionics networking including OSI model, transport/data link layers, Ethernet, IP, UDP/TCP/SCTP, CCSDS, or other radio networking protocols

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.

• 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.