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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.Sr. Automation Controls Engineer
About This Role
Blue Origin's Factory Automation team is part of the Advanced Manufacturing organization within Operations — serving as the in-house automation integrator responsible for designing, building, and deploying the custom equipment and systems that enable scalable, repeatable production across Blue Origin's manufacturing business units. We build manufacturing capability from the ground up — developing automated solutions that directly drive the delivery of Blue Origin's products across current and future programs.
We are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer who brings deep hands-on expertise in industrial controls design and automation systems integration — someone who thrives in a build-it-and-commission-it environment, moves with urgency, and takes full technical ownership from concept through production ramp-up. This role goes beyond pure controls engineering: you will drive projects end-to-end, navigating R&D, design, build, installation, and commissioning while coordinating across a broad range of stakeholders and disciplines. You will define control system architectures, set technical standards, and deliver solutions that work in the real world — including challenging product design teams to design for automated manufacturing when requirements complicate scalable automation. A passion for our mission — and for the discipline of building systems that work — is essential.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with applications engineers in the development of conceptual automated manufacturing equipment, providing controls architecture input and feedback from concept through detailed design
Design control system architectures including network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, and communication protocols
Lead industrial controls and electrical design of bespoke automation systems
Develop offline simulations of automated systems — ranging from discrete work cells to fully automated product lines — to validate control logic, robot paths, cycle times, and system behavior from concept through final design, including pre-programming and virtual commissioning prior to hardware availability
Transition from offline development to online debugging and commissioning of PLC, HMI, robot, and similar industrial controls programs from scratch
Integrate auxiliary equipment, machines, and tools into unified control systems
Work with panel fabricators and field installation teams; provide technical support during system integration and commissioning
Lead factory and site acceptance testing
Lead the build, installation, commissioning, and start-up of automated manufacturing systems
Create and deliver controls documentation packages including sequence of operations, I/O lists, network diagrams, and program documentation
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, or related engineering field
- Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience developing and integrating industrial controls and automation systems from scratch — including PLC and HMI programming as core competencies, control system architecture design (network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, multi-platform communication protocols), and broad exposure to industrial automation platforms such as robots, material handling systems (gantries, AGVs, conveyors), CNC machine integration, NDT, assembly, testing, and process tools (torque, welding, grinding, or similar)
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings
- Experience with industrial safety system design including functional safety devices, safety PLCs, and safety-rated circuits
- 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 Qualifications:
- Familiarity with industrial automation and machine safety standards including IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA R15.06, and functional safety standards (IEC 62061 / ISO 13849), including experience conducting or supporting formal risk assessments
- Experience utilizing industrial automation simulation software for offline programming, virtual commissioning, and full production line simulation — including tools such as Plant Simulate, Process Simulate, Visual Components, KUKA.Sim, RobotStudio, or similar
- Experience with industrial machine vision systems, including custom application development using platforms such as Cognex — encompassing out-of-the-box configuration, novel programming, and machine learning (ML)-based inspection and guidance solutions
- Experience building, modifying, and troubleshooting electrical control panels
- Experience with electrical design for industrial control systems using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical CAD platforms
- Demonstrated history of delivering custom automated manufacturing systems from concept through production ramp-up
Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical
Benefits
Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, or related engineering field
- Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience developing and integrating industrial controls and automation systems
- Experience with industrial safety system design including functional safety devices
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S.
Blue Origin Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Blue Origin and has not been reviewed or approved by Blue Origin.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is offered through a major national carrier with PPO and HDHP options, broad networks, virtual care, and in‑network preventive care fully covered. Feedback suggests the medical, dental, and vision setup is straightforward and comprehensive.
-
Retirement Support — A simple 401(k) structure matches a set portion of employee contributions each pay period, making savings predictable. Feedback suggests this match is a consistent pillar of the total rewards package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO accrues to roughly four weeks annually and most federal holidays are observed, with some years including additional floating days. Feedback suggests time‑off breadth is a notable part of the package, even as details can vary by role and year.
Blue Origin Insights
What We Do
Blue Origin was founded by Jeff Bezos with the vision of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes that humanity will need to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue is working on this today by developing partially and fully reusable launch vehicles that are safe, low cost and serve the needs of all civil, commercial and defense customers.
