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
Requirements
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 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, FreeFlyer, 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.