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Sr. Navigation Engineer (Top Secret Security Clearance Required) Verified today

Blue Origin · 2 Locations · Space Systems · first seen 2026-10-21
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Blue Origin's Blue National Security division develops launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Blue Ring is our hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft platform.

As a Senior Navigation Engineer in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team, you will design and implement cutting-edge navigation solutions. You will lead the development of sophisticated estimation algorithms and ensure the accuracy and reliability of navigation systems for advanced space vehicles.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms, with a primary focus on Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
  • Model and simulate inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS receivers to analyze and predict navigation system performance.
  • Lead the 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 inertial measurement units (IMUs) and other navigation sensors.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex navigation-related issues found during testing and operations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in navigation systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 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 in designing and implementing Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
  • Strong theoretical and practical understanding of inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS technology.
  • Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Solid 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.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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 with 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.

Compensation

Base Pay Range: VA applicants $156,802.00 - $219,522.45; CO applicants $144,179.00 - $201,849.90. 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 (working at least 20 hours/week).
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Bonus eligibility based on role type and job level (not guaranteed).