Senior Controls Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN

. Design and architect supervisory software, real-time PLC logic, and embedded control algorithms for test facilities, test stands, and next-generation hardware .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $197,529 - $276,540 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing real-time control systems, including PLC programming and safety-critical logic. Proficient in collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and optimizing control algorithms for complex hardware.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PLC ProgrammingReal-Time Control SystemsElectrical Engineering DegreeHands-On Commissioning ExperienceTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Control AlgorithmsEmbedded Control AlgorithmsDeterministic ExecutionSensor RequirementsFeedback LoopsFail-Safe Design PatternsInstrumentation StrategiesElectrical Distribution DesignConfiguration ManagementTroubleshooting

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationTechnical LeadershipDocumentation SkillsProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

Siemens TIA PortalRockwell Studio 5000Matlab/SimulinkLabVIEWAutoCAD ElectricalIndustrial SCADAGitCI/CD PipelinesHardware-in-the-Loop TestbedsWinCC

Certifications & Qualifications

PMPINCOSE Certification

Industry Keywords

Electrical StandardsControls StandardsReal-Time Systems ArchitectureCANEthernet/IPModbusOPCEMI/RFI MitigationPower System DesignFunctional Architecture

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and architect supervisory software, real-time PLC logic, and embedded control algorithms for test facilities, test stands, and next-generation hardware
Define control strategies, sensor requirements, and feedback loops
Provide technical support during facility commissioning, test execution, and troubleshooting
Optimize control algorithms using test data and operational feedback
Support transition of prototype controls into production-ready configurations
Design, code, and integrate PLC logic across Siemens and Rockwell platforms
Develop deterministic, fail-safe control sequences for complex multi-system operations
Specify, design, and validate instrumentation strategies
Design electrical distribution, panel layouts, and sensor/actuator integration into real-time control loops
Ensure compliance with electrical and controls standards
Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, fluids, and test operations teams on systems integration
Participate in design reviews, testing, and troubleshooting
Conduct code reviews and implement unit testing
Maintain configuration management across development, test, and operational phases
Support safety case development and certification activities
Create design documentation, functional specifications, software design documents, and operational procedures
Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge transfer

Requirements

What you’ll need

Passion for Blue Origin's mission
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
10+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing real-time control systems for complex hardware
Deep proficiency in PLC programming, including ladder logic and structured text, across at least two major platforms such as Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000
Ability to code production-ready, safety-critical logic from requirements
Hands-on commissioning experience for complex test facilities
Ability to troubleshoot and optimize controls during facility activation and operational ramp-up
Understanding of real-time systems architecture, deterministic execution, interrupt handling, CAN, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, and fail-safe design patterns
Knowledge of instrumentation and electrical systems, including sensor selection, signal conditioning, electrical distribution, grounding, EMI/RFI mitigation, and power system design
Experience integrating controls into multidisciplinary mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems
Familiarity with functional architecture, requirements traceability, interface control, and configuration management
Excellent technical communication and documentation 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
Preferred: M.S. degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline; PMP or INCOSE certification
Preferred: Experience with MPC, adaptive controls, state estimation, or Kalman filtering
Preferred: Hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
Preferred: Matlab/Simulink, LabVIEW, or equivalent, including MIL/SIL/HIL validation strategies
Preferred: ECAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or ePlan
Preferred: Industrial SCADA/supervisory software such as WinCC, Ignition, or FactoryTalk
Preferred: Git, CI/CD pipelines, and embedded software development practices
Preferred: Prior mentoring or technical leadership experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation provided
Living allowance for eligible employees permanently relocating to Van Horn, TX or traveling there from another Blue location at least 50% of the time
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 discretion
Regular 5/2 or rotation schedules available (8/6, 16/12)