Avionics Operations Engineer III

Blue Origin•Space Coast, FL

About The Position

This role supports development and operations of New Glenn, Blue Origin’s reusable heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, as part of the Orbital Launch Engineering Avionics team. The engineer develops, manages, supports, and executes integrated tests and operations for New Glenn spaceflight systems through launch. The work includes avionics Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) software and hardware—including inertial measurement units, navigation sensors, controls, and GPS—as well as main flight computing systems. The engineer processes assigned vehicle systems from stage receipt at the launch site through launch and landing, and helps prepare the launch vehicle and associated ground systems for flight. This includes producing operational requirements, engineering work orders, plans, procedures, sequencer code, controller panels, HMI displays, and other data products. The role also interfaces with embedded software teams on deployment and updating of Operational Flight Programs. It involves hands-on troubleshooting and testing, anomaly investigation and correction during time-critical operations, launch control room duties, and post-flight data review and process improvement. Candidates must be able to work shifts, including nights and weekends, during launch and test campaigns, and will train toward certification as a launch engineer controller.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Math.
At least 5 years of industry experience in avionics GNC design, test, integration, and/or operations, launch systems, aerospace, or satellite operations.
Experience with code review processes and SCI’s.
Experience using a command-line interface (CLI).
Basic knowledge of avionics network systems and routing tables.
Knowledge of firmware versus software use in avionics components such as FPGAs and PLCs.
Demonstrated field operations experience coordinating activities with technicians and other engineering teams.
Strong operations planning and organizational skills.
Effective technical communication skills and comfort speaking over communications systems in a launch control room.
Ability to support off-shift work schedules during launch and/or test campaigns, including nights and weekends.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Control room or operations experience in a real-time, intense, high-consequence environment.
Detailed knowledge of avionics navigation theory, including coordinate transformations, satellite measurement data, and GPS theory.
Experience with HWIL/SWIL or simulation testing.
Experience with programming languages or equivalent tools such as Qt, Simulink, MATLAB, WinPlot, Epsilon, or Python.
Demonstrated success writing technical procedures, non-conformance documentation, and specifications.
Experience with Ethernet, CCDL, RS-422, or RS-485 communication protocols.
Strong safety record and mindset, including hands-on experience planning and conducting hazardous or critical tests and operations.
Experience leading test teams as a Test Conductor or Test Engineer.
Effective team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Process assigned vehicle systems from stage receipt at the launch site through launch and landing.
Help develop and maintain production schedules, quality documents, and engineering documentation.
Work with other element teams to develop, interpret, and use operational requirements.
Produce engineering work orders, technical plans, procedures, HMI displays, and other data products required to prepare and launch operational flight vehicles.
Interface with embedded software development teams as needed to deploy and update Operational Flight Programs to vehicle avionics.
Ensure the launch vehicle and associated ground systems are integrated and prepared for launch and flight.
Write sequencer code and create controller panels in preparation for launch.
Perform hands-on troubleshooting and testing as required.
Train and certify as a launch engineer controller, ultimately operating assigned systems on launch day.
Determine and correct anomaly causes during time-critical operations.
Perform post-flight data reviews and incorporate process improvements.
Continue training to expand operational knowledge of other avionics systems.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.