Sr. Navigation Engineer (Top Secret Security Clearance Required)

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), which designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. As a Senior Navigation Engineer on the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team, you will lead the development and implementation of navigation solutions for advanced systems, with responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of navigation performance. The position calls for theoretical expertise and practical skill in developing sophisticated estimation algorithms, including Kalman filters, for real-world applications. The role requires a Top Secret security clearance and eligibility under U.S. export control regulations. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Requirements

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
5–10 years of experience in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
Demonstrated expertise designing and implementing Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
Strong theoretical and practical understanding of inertial sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and GPS technology.
Proficiency with simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
Programming skills in C++ or Python for algorithm development and data analysis.
Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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.
Top Secret Security clearance required.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in a relevant field with a focus on estimation theory or navigation.
Experience with tightly-coupled and loosely-coupled GPS/INS integration.
Hands-on experience testing and validating navigation systems on hardware.
Knowledge of other navigation techniques, such as terrain-relative navigation, star trackers, or visual odometry.
Familiarity with navigation system software and hardware development for safety-critical applications.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms, primarily Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
Model and simulate inertial sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and GPS receivers to analyze and predict navigation system performance.
Lead integration of navigation components into the broader GNC and avionics architecture.
Develop and execute test plans to verify and validate navigation system performance in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
Analyze sensor data to characterize and calibrate IMUs and other navigation sensors.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex navigation-related issues identified during testing and operations.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in navigation systems.
Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.

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 all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Up to four weeks of paid time off 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, company results, or other factors at the company's discretion; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and may change or be canceled.