Ground Autonomy Instruments & Controls Software Verification Engineer II - New Glenn

About the role

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to full lifecycle development of controls algorithm software for PLC-based ground systems and control application software with a heavy focus on the verification and validation of the PLC control systems
• Lead PLC programming development and support commissioning of PLC and motion-control-based systems with software releases
• Assist with SCADA development (Iconics Gen 64 / Hyper Historian®)
• Develop, test, verify, and validate PLC and motion-control-based systems
• Develop and maintain software requirements for Ground Control systems
• Design and implement autonomy solutions including sequencers, state machines, and fault management deployed on real-time operating systems
• Troubleshoot fielded PLC logic and drive issue resolution to improve product quality
• Implement AI/LLM solutions for controls optimization, system monitoring, and workflow automation to reduce manual workload and improve reliability
• Guide development and continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and configuration management practices
• Effectively communicate technical decisions and status across internal design teams, operations, Quality, and business units

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls design, integration, and verification
• Expertise in controls algorithm development with PLC software, specifically proficient in Ladder Logic and/or Structured Text
• Proficiency in Python/C/C++ programming
• Experience with Siemens and/or Rockwell control automation systems
• Experience in autonomy, sequencers, state machines, and/or fault management deployed on real-time operating systems
• Experience implementing or integrating AI/LLM solutions in industrial control or software development contexts
• Knowledge of industry-standard network communication protocols
• Familiarity with software lifecycle development processes, configuration management, version control, and change management
• Organized, self-starter capable of breaking down complex problems into traceable tasks
• Excellent judgment and comfort making high-quality and high-velocity decisions
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of an organization
• Meticulous attention to detail and configuration control
• Able to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• Advanced degree (M.S. or likewise) in Electrical, Electronics, Aerospace, or a related engineering field
• Experience with Python
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000®, FactoryTalk AssetCentre®, FactoryTalk View®, or Studio 5000 View Designer®
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal
• Experience working with electrical control systems and industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, bridge, accelerometers, and motion/servo controllers
• Familiarity with spacecraft operations, subsystem functions, and their interfaces and interactions
• Familiarity with embedded avionics networking including OSI model, transport/data link layers, Ethernet, IP, UDP/TCP/SCTP, CCSDS, or other radio networking protocols

Benefits

• 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%
• Education Support Program
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)