Principal Autonomous Orbit Determination Engineer

Responsibilities

• Shape the Autonomous Navigation Architecture:
  Define the end-to-end architecture for onboard autonomous orbit determination, integrating optical and radiometric measurement sources into a coherent, flight-ready navigation system for cislunar and interplanetary missions
• Lead Deep Space Autonomous Navigation Development:
  Own the development and integration of optical and radiometric measurement processing into onboard algorithms for cislunar and interplanetary missions
• Drive the technical roadmap from concept through flight implementation, defining the path toward fully autonomous deep space navigation
• Roadmap the Path to Full Autonomy:
  Define the long-range strategy for onboard navigation capability maturation — particularly for deep space regimes with limited ground contact — and drive its implementation across the Blue Ring fleet
• Support Ground Navigation Operations:
  Contribute to live ground-based orbit determination alongside the ATX team when operational missions require hands-on navigation support
• Execute Ground-Based Navigation Processing:
  Apply your subject matter expertise in statistical orbit determination using radiometric and optical measurements to deliver navigation solutions for early lunar and Mars missions as Blue Origin's autonomous capabilities mature
• Collaborate Across Disciplines:
  Interface with GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and flight operations teams to ensure onboard navigation algorithms are properly integrated and validated end-to-end
• Mentor and Lead:
  Provide technical leadership and mentorship to navigation engineers; establish best practices for algorithm development, testing, and verification
• Deliver Excellence:
  Present results and support critical design reviews using Agile development methodologies

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
• 10+ years of proven experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or related astrodynamics disciplines
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing orbit determination algorithms
• Experience with optical navigation techniques (e.g., terrain-relative navigation, star-based navigation, landmark tracking)
• Experience with radiometric navigation techniques (Doppler, ranging, VLBI, or similar)
• Strong fundamentals in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and estimation theory
• Applied experience in navigation tools such as Monte, STK/ODTK, Free Flyer, or GMAT
• Experience in at least one of the following:
  Python, Julia, or C++
• Demonstrated ability to define navigation requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 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.