Senior Dynamics Engineer - Spacecraft Jitter & LoS Stability - TeraWave

Overview

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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 team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Tera Wave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with Tera Wave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the success of the Tera Wave constellation. You will be responsible for leading the analysis and verification of spacecraft pointing stability, with a focus on attitude control and micro‑vibration (jitter) along with their impact on Line‑of‑Sight (LoS) performance. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of structures, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), and precision payload performance, and to have a significant impact on the future of global communications.

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Travel of up to 25% may be required.

• Develop and manage jitter budgets for the spacecraft and payloads with fine pointing requirements.
• Create and maintain high‑fidelity finite element models (FEM) and develop workflows for integrated analysis with GNC systems.
• Lead structural dynamics and micro‑vibration (jitter) analysis.
• Perform frequency‑domain and time‑domain analysis (PSDs, FFTs, transient response) to predict and verify LoS stability.
• Create 6‑DOF (Degrees of Freedom) linear and non‑linear dynamic models to simulate vehicle behavior.
• Conduct Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) testing, Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) simulation, and analyze flight test data to validate models and performance.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and sensor teams to integrate GNC software into flight hardware.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets from simulations and tests, including sensor data and Monte‑Carlo simulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in structural dynamics, with a focus on spacecraft or optical payloads.
• Proven experience in micro‑vibration (jitter) analysis for spacecraft.
• Strong background in finite element modeling (FEM) and model reduction techniques.
• Proficiency with FEM software (e.g., NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar).
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for large‑scale analysis and simulation.
• Familiarity with satellite attitude and position determination, stability, and control.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Direct experience with Line‑of‑Sight (LoS) stability prediction and verification.
• Experience with the design and analysis of compliant structures.
• Deep understanding of GNC systems and their interaction with structural dynamics.
• Experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) and Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) testing.
• Experience with 6‑DOF simulations and Monte‑Carlo analysis methods.

At Blue Origin, we are a team of innovators, engineers, and explorers who are passionate about building a road to space. Our mission is to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We are looking for talented and driven individuals to join us on this journey.

If you are passionate about spacecraft dynamics…