Senior Systems Engineer

About BlackSky

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.

The Role: Senior Systems Engineer

BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to provide a key role in the definition, verification, delivery, and assembly of our industry-defining spacecraft. Systems Engineers at BlackSky are involved throughout the engineering lifecycle, from creating and understanding mission needs through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of spacecraft in orbit. You’ll collaborate daily with a diverse set of team members – mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers - to be successful in your role. You will work in our Tukwila, WA office with a hybrid on-site schedule with significant flexibility for part-time remote work and report to the Program Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities:

• Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem, and component requirements.
• Perform subsystem and system analyses aimed at driving design definition and verification.
• Organize, lead, conduct, and document trade studies.
• Develop system, subsystem, and component verification and test plans.
• Analyze lab, production, and on-orbit test data.
• Lead and participate in anomaly and failure investigations.
• Automate recurring analysis and verification activities.
• Derive software requirements and user stories from CONOPS and specifications.
• Communicate technical information (analysis results, findings, trades) to peers, the Program Chief Engineer, program management, and customers.
• Define, track, and manage key performance parameters (KPPs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and technical performance measures.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Computer Science, or Electrical preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience in the Aerospace or Defense Industry.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft system and subsystem behaviors and dependencies.
• Demonstrated technical breadth across spacecraft subsystems.
• Ability to produce satellite budgets and analyses (power, mass, reliability, etc.).
• Experience with requirements management tools and practices.
• Previous experience with MATLAB and Python or other similar tools for data analysis.
• Experience developing systems engineering artifacts: Interface Control Documents, Internal block diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, state machines, etc.
• Strong sense of ownership and innate sense of urgency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated technical depth in at least one spacecraft subsystem or payload.
• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and SysML.
• Previous experience with STK.
• Experience with requirements tracking tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama).
• Prior experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab, and other similar tools.
• Strong understanding of astrodynamics, the space environment, and corresponding considerations for spacecraft design.
• Experience working within a Scaled Agile or other Agile framework.

Life at BlackSky (Benefits):

For full-time benefits-eligible employees:

• Medical, Dental, Vision: BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental, and vision, and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
• Paid Time Off: 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.
• Retirement: 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match.
• Other Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs, Employer matching donations, Professional development, Choice of Mac or PC, Awesome swag.

Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for candidates in Washington state is $125,000-$145,000 per year. The final compensation package offered will depend on specific background and education. This range may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: Available via provided links.