Sr Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Application close date:

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! 

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!

• Relocation provided
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

• 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

• B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 8+ 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

• 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

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.