Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets, and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

Systems Engineers at BlackSky are the glue that ensures that all the components, subsystems, parts, hardware, software come together to produce best-in-class spacecraft. BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to provide a key role in the definition, verification, assembly, and delivery of our industry-defining spacecraft. You will be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle, from creating and understanding mission needs through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of spacecraft in orbit. Success in the role requires daily collaboration with a diverse set of team members – mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers.

Reporting to the Director, Systems Engineering, this role works in our Tukwila, WA office with a hybrid on-site schedule of 3 days per week with significant flexibility for part-time remote work.

Responsibilities:

Organize, lead, and/or support development of internal and customer-facing Systems Engineering deliverables

Lead system-level trade studies, mission analysis, and architecture development to guide key program decisions

Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem and component requirements

Communicate technical information (analysis results, finding, trades) to peers, the Program Chief Engineer, program management, and customers

Create and maintain space vehicle technical budget and analysis templates

Represent Systems Engineering within one or more subsystem-oriented Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure IPT needs are met, and sound SE practices are used within those IPTs

Develop system, subsystem, and component verification and test plans

Conduct independent technical assessments of key subsystems or program decisions

Drive identification, tracking, and mitigation of system‑level risks, issues, and anomalies throughout the program lifecycle

Support major program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR) as a system engineering authority

Provide technical oversight of component/unit suppliers and support supply chain activities

Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science preferred) or a related field.

Minimum of 12 years of experience in the Spacecraft or Launch Vehicle industry

Deep understanding of spacecraft and subsystem behaviors and dependencies

Strong foundational knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineering.

Demonstrated expertise in developing system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification & validation plans for complex space systems

Demonstrated technical depth in at least one spacecraft subsystem or payload

Proven ability to drive cross-functional efforts and deliver results in fast-paced, schedule-critical environments.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including executives and customers

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of six years of experience working on satellite design, test, or operations

Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and corresponding considerations for spacecraft design including relevant industry standards (NASA, MIL-STD, etc)

Experience with satellite operations, launch vehicle interfaces, or commissioning activities

Experience with software and/or modeling and simulation tools (Python, MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or similar)

Experience with requirements tracking tools (e.g. Jama, DOORS)

Experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab and other similar tools

Experience mentoring junior engineers and shaping engineering processes, methods, or best practices

Experience interfacing with suppliers and/or external partners

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees includes :

Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance

BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!

15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more

401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs

Employer matching donations

Professional development

Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in the Great Seattle Area, WA is 185,000 - 200,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of the Great Seattle Area.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/ Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf