Blue Origin

Software Engineer, Motion Controls & Manufacturing Automation

Blue Origin$164K — $230K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in computer science or equivalent with 4 years of related experience
  • Experience in integrating motion control with higher-level software platforms
  • Proficient in closed-loop controls and sensor-driven systems
  • Skilled in database design and management including SQL and ETL processes
  • Experienced in software scripting with languages like Python and C++
  • Active engagement with stakeholders in identifying and solving technical issues

Responsibilities

  • Develop software for manufacturing processes at both machine and facility levels
  • Integrate COTS and custom CAD/CAM software for advanced applications
  • Specify, implement, and support software-controlled electromechanical subsystems
  • Automate data integration workflows for effective design and manufacturing
  • Drive technical architecture and enhancement of manufacturing process reliability

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match up to 5%
  • Generous paid time off including up to four weeks annually and 14 holidays
  • Stock options for all regular employees working over 20 hours a week
  • Education Support Program for ongoing professional development
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Software Engineer to design, build, and control custom manufacturing hardware supporting Blue Origin's advanced metal additive manufacturing processes - including the design and development of custom machine tools and its motion control system. This is a hands-on role spanning software architecture, embedded systems, motion control, and CAD/CAM integration, all in service of enabling reliable, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing for safe human spaceflight.

You'll work at the intersection of machine design, controls, and software - writing the code that drives physical hardware to produce precision geometry, while also building the broader data and automation infrastructure that connects machine-level execution to facility-level manufacturing decisions.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop C++ software for 2D/3D path/geometry generation to drive machine motion and produce target part geometry
  • Design, build, and integrate the motion control system for a custom metal 3D printer machine, including electromechanical subsystem selection, wiring, and software-driven control
  • Develop software to control manufacturing processes at both the machine level (real-time motion, sensing, actuation) and facility level (workflow orchestration, data routing)
  • Architect and implement embedded system software for data acquisition and control hardware, ensuring reliable, deterministic performance
  • Build automated data integrations/workflows so manufacturing engineers, design engineers, and facility operators have timely access to relevant process data
  • Identify and drive opportunities for improved reliability, efficiency, and automation across manufacturing processes - own the technical architecture and roadmap
  • Identify and close gaps in available manufacturing data to support better engineering and operational decisions
  • Conduct code reviews and architectural reviews; maintain code quality and documentation standards
  • Plan and implement unit/integration tests; maintain CI/CD pipelines for manufacturing software


Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of industry experience in C++ software development, ideally with exposure to motion control, robotics, or CNC/additive manufacturing systems
  • Experience designing or integrating motion control hardware (servo/stepper drives, motion controllers, encoders) for custom machines
  • Experience programming data acquisition and control systems. interfacing with industrial hardware (PLCs, NI hardware, or similar)
  • Strong systems-level thinking - able to bridge mechanical/electrical hardware design with software architecture
  • Strong collaboration skills in a multi-disciplinary, multi-developer environment


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with toolpath and trajectory generation
  • 8+ years of experience in aerospace, robotics, or advanced manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience building custom machines/hardware from concept through commissioning
  • Experience with additive manufacturing processes (metal AM, DED, etc.)
  • Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW for test/automation tooling
  • Demonstrated experience integrating AI/LLMs into engineering workflows
  • Interfacing with industrial hardware (PLCs, NI hardware, or similar)
  • Experience with geometry/path generation for machine motion (toolpathing, slicing, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software integration (COTS and/or custom tools)


Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

Other 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.

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.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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