Senior Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Design Engineer – Orbital Reef Program (R37928)

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

This position is part of the Space Systems Development (SSD) business unit. SSD develops next-generation concepts and systems to advance our future of living and working in space sustainably.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis and studies to determine trajectories, rendezvous points, safety gates and corridors, and requirements for performing RPO operations
• Develop RPO concept of operations for advanced spaceflight vehicle configurations
• Explore opportunities and mature advanced GN&C sensors and guidance strategies for RPO operations
• Decompose RPO functional and performance requirements between GN&C, mechanical systems, communication systems, docking targets, and mission systems
• Develop and maintain data interface, optical interface, and/or mechanical interface between the elements during the RPO process
• Define and maintain element level states and modes in nominal and off-nominal conditions during the RPO phase
• Determine and lead required RPO V&V activities, including flight demonstrations

 

Qualifications:

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical subject area
• Proven technical depth in one of the following areas: guidance, navigation, control, simulation, or flight software
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience with in-space RPO systems and mission operations
• Experience planning and executing RPO integrated tests in high-fidelity test environments
• Experience in developing RPO concept of operations, and requirements definition and analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to execute in a dynamic, fast-paced, and driven work environment
• 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.

 

Desired:

• M.S. or PhD in the subject disciplines
• 15+ years relevant experience with at least 4 years spent leading a complex multi-disciplinary team
• Strong fundamental knowledge in astrodynamics and relative motion of space objects
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing
• Experience developing and analyzing RPO algorithms and approaches
• Experience in Matlab and Simulink
• Experience in development and test of RPO sensors such as LiDaR and vision-based navigation systems
• Experience designing and evaluating Monte Carlo simulations
• Experience with Linear Covariance analysis methods
• Familiarity with the International Rendezvous System Interoperability Standards (IRSIS)
• Knowledge of International Space Station RPO architecture, mission design, and operational procedures

Inclusivity Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

 

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

 

Benefits

Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance