Senior Automation Controls Engineer Verified today

About This Role

Blue Origin's Factory Automation team designs, builds, and deploys custom equipment and systems that enable scalable, repeatable production across Blue Origin's manufacturing business units. As a Senior Automation Controls Engineer, you will drive projects end-to-end from R&D and design through build, installation, and commissioning. You will define control system architectures, set technical standards, and deliver solutions that work in production environments. This role requires deep hands-on expertise in industrial controls design and automation systems integration, with the ability to take full technical ownership and move with urgency.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with applications engineers to develop conceptual automated manufacturing equipment, providing controls architecture input from concept through detailed design
• Design control system architectures including network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, and communication protocols
• Lead industrial controls and electrical design of bespoke automation systems
• Develop offline simulations of automated systems to validate control logic, robot paths, cycle times, and system behavior prior to hardware availability
• Transition from offline development to online debugging and commissioning of PLC, HMI, robot, and industrial controls programs
• Integrate auxiliary equipment, machines, and tools into unified control systems
• Work with panel fabricators and field installation teams to provide technical support during system integration and commissioning
• Lead factory and site acceptance testing
• Lead the build, installation, commissioning, and start-up of automated manufacturing systems
• Create and deliver controls documentation packages including sequence of operations, I/O lists, network diagrams, and program documentation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, or related engineering field
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience developing and integrating industrial controls and automation systems from scratch, including PLC and HMI programming as core competencies, control system architecture design (network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, multi-platform communication protocols), and broad exposure to industrial automation platforms such as robots, material handling systems (gantries, AGVs, conveyors), CNC machine integration, NDT, assembly, testing, and process tools (torque, welding, grinding, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings
• Experience with industrial safety system design including functional safety devices, safety PLCs, and safety-rated circuits
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with industrial automation and machine safety standards including IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA R15.06, and functional safety standards (IEC 62061 / ISO 13849), including experience conducting or supporting formal risk assessments
• Experience utilizing industrial automation simulation software for offline programming, virtual commissioning, and full production line simulation such as Plant Simulate, Process Simulate, Visual Components, KUKA.Sim, RobotStudio, or similar
• Experience with industrial machine vision systems, including custom application development using platforms such as Cognex, encompassing out-of-the-box configuration, novel programming, and machine learning-based inspection and guidance solutions
• Experience building, modifying, and troubleshooting electrical control panels
• Experience with electrical design for industrial control systems using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical CAD platforms
• Demonstrated history of delivering custom automated manufacturing systems from concept through production ramp-up

Compensation

Base Pay Range for Colorado applicants is $181,626.00 to $254,275.35. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock options for all regular employees (20+ hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Potential eligibility for bonuses based on individual contributions and company performance

Background Check

Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions. Additional checks may be required depending on role and location.