Ground Autonomy Instruments & Controls Software Verification Engineer II - New Glenn
About The Position
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. The role will have an increased focus on the verification and validation of the PLC products and control applications where you will take ownership in developing the verification strategy, the verification artifacts and commissioning the systems to the launch pad. In addition, you will be a contributor to the development and maintenance of our common PLC software architecture and Ground Control 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 work on the full software lifecycle, from requirements development through commissioning and in-field troubleshooting with an increased focus on the verification and validation of the products. 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.
Requirements
- B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
- 3+ 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 Python/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
- Ability to design PID based control loops from first principals
- 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
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (M.S. or likewise) 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
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to full lifecycle development of controls algorithm software for PLC-based ground systems and control application software with a heavy focus on the verification and validation of the PLC control 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
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
