Senior Simulation Engineer

Application close date:

At Blue Origin we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Were 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!

Early Studies / Pre-Project Work (Architecture & Trades)

- Stand up and iterate dynamic models to evaluate system concepts margins and operational envelopes for locomotion and manipulation systems
- Build scenario-based simulation studies wheeled/legged mobility robotic manipulation using physics engines (NVIDIA Isaac Sim MuJoCo Gazebo Drake or equivalent) to inform requirements and design decisions
- Develop contact and terra mechanics approaches at appropriate fidelity levels; quantify key sensitivities and uncertainties
- Provide simulation data products (control margins sensitivity sweeps operational envelopes) to support control architecture and actuator trades
- Produce model maturation plans test-to-model correlation plans and phased verification strategies (MIL SIL HIL)
- Generate synthetic data and simulation-based datasets to support ML reinforcement learning and sim-to-real transfer

Project Execution (Design Implementation Verification)

- Mature simulation models into verification-grade assets with configuration management parameter governance and automated regression
- Correlate models to hardware test data; drive system identification parameter updates and model credibility arguments
- Implement plant models actuator dynamics sensor models and environment interactions within simulation frameworks for closed-loop analysis
- Define verification artifacts (test cases scenario coverage acceptance criteria model credibility evidence) for mobility and manipulation domains
- Support anomaly resolution from lab through integrated testing via simulation replay and analysis
- Mentor junior engineers; establish best practices for simulation software quality

Required Qualifications

- 8 years developing physics-based simulation and dynamic models for high-reliability or high-performance robotic systems (aerospace/space autonomous vehicles legged robots industrial/warehouse automation or similarly demanding domains)
- Strong dynamics and multibody modeling fundamentals: rigid/flexible body formulations contact mechanics actuator/sensor abstraction numerical methods
- Proficiency with at least one major robotics/physics simulation platform (NVIDIA Isaac Sim/Isaac Lab MuJoCo Gazebo/gz-sim Drake Webots PyBullet or equivalent)
- Demonstrated ability to use simulation to drive decisions across the lifecycle: trade studies design verification
- Experience with simulation framework development (Python C/C) plus disciplined configuration management automated testing and verification practices
- Familiarity with control system concepts sufficient to implement and evaluate closed-loop simulations (stability estimation tuning)

Desired Qualifications

- B.S. (M.S./Ph.D. preferred) in Aerospace Mechanical Electrical Robotics Computer Science Computational Science or related field
- Hands-on experience with NVIDIA Isaac Sim / Isaac Lab for robotics scenario simulation (locomotion manipulation repeatable environments terrain/contact interaction domain randomization logging/analysis)
- Experience with MuJoCo Drake or Gazebo for dynamics modeling RL policy training or hardware-in-the-loop workflows
- Experience with ROS 2 / MoveIt 2 integration for manipulation planning and sim-to-real deployment
- Sim-to-real transfer experience: domain randomization system identification reality gap characterization
- Reinforcement learning or learning-based control applied to locomotion or manipulation tasks
- Lunar or planetary surface terra mechanics experience (slip/traction modeling sinkage/rolling resistance slope handling)
- MIL/SIL/HIL verification experience and automated regression testing of simulation scenarios
- Experience correlating models to hardware test data (system identification parameter estimation model credibility frameworks)
- Experience applying modern software practices to modeling/simulation (CI/CD automated tests configuration/parameter management containerized environments)

Base Pay Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blues 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 10001 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 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 companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys 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

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