GN&C Navigation Engineer II

BLUE ORIGIN

. Design, develop, test, and deploy production navigation software for lunar spacecraft, including sensor I/O and state estimation algorithms using C, C++, Rust, and Python .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $123,714 - $188,945 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPythonRustC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, test, and deploy production navigation software for lunar spacecraft, including sensor I/O and state estimation algorithms using C, C++, Rust, and Python
Support navigation and sensor fusion algorithm development
Execute component-level testing, including sensor characterization, modeling, and integrated on-vehicle testing
Develop and maintain navigation simulation environments
Perform system analysis, including error budgets, sensitivity studies, and performance predictions
Interface with navigation hardware vendors to integrate sensors into spacecraft systems
Support flight operations through pre-flight planning, real-time monitoring, and post-flight analysis
Collaborate with GNC, Flight Software, Systems Engineering, and Operations teams
Contribute to the development and assembly of navigation systems for multiple lunar missions across the full lifecycle, from architecture through flight operations
Embody Blue Origin leadership principles

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related STEM field
Experience programming in Rust, C++, or C
Experience synthesizing state estimation algorithms and Kalman filters for spacecraft navigation
Experience with navigation sensors including IMUs, star trackers, and optical sensors
Understanding of spacecraft dynamics, kinematics, and coordinate systems
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
Preferred: Ph.D. or equivalent in computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field
Preferred: Rust experience for embedded or flight software development
Preferred: Python experience for navigation analysis and algorithm development
Preferred: Experience developing navigation systems using optical sensor measurements
Preferred: Experience with vision-aided navigation, computer vision, or sensor fusion algorithms
Preferred: Experience with spacecraft or aircraft flight software development and hardware-in-the-loop testing
Preferred: Knowledge of orbital mechanics, mission design, and flight operations support
Preferred: Familiarity with DO-178C or similar software development standards
Blue’s Standard Background Check required for all positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, and company results; not guaranteed