Senior Systems Engineer

About BlackSky

BlackSky is a premier real-time intelligence company operating a sophisticated space-based intelligence platform. They provide crucial satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring to government and commercial clients worldwide, delivering foresight into critical national security and economic matters. Their mission is to empower clients with the ultimate strategic advantage by enabling them to see, understand, and anticipate change.

About the Role

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in the definition, verification, delivery, and assembly of BlackSky's industry-leading spacecraft. You will be involved throughout the entire engineering lifecycle, from conceptualization to orbital operations. This position requires close collaboration with a diverse engineering team (mechanical, electrical, software, test) and program managers, operating from the Tukwila, WA office with a hybrid on-site schedule and flexibility for remote work. You will report to the Program Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Define and decompose system CONOPS (Concept of Operations) into detailed requirements for space vehicles, subsystems, and components.
• Conduct subsystem and system analyses to drive design definition and verification.
• Organize, lead, and document trade studies.
• Develop comprehensive verification and test plans for systems and subsystems.
• Analyze test data from lab, production, and on-orbit phases.
• Lead and participate in anomaly and failure investigations.
• Automate recurring analysis and verification tasks.
• Derive software requirements and user stories from CONOPS and specifications.
• Communicate technical findings, analyses, and trade studies to peers, management, and customers.
• Define, track, and manage Key Performance Parameters (KPPs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).
• Perform 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 interdependencies.
• Demonstrated technical breadth across various spacecraft subsystems.
• Proficiency in producing satellite budgets and analyses (e.g., power, mass, reliability).
• Experience with requirements management tools and methodologies.
• Previous experience using MATLAB and Python, or similar tools, for data analysis.
• Experience developing systems engineering artifacts such as Interface Control Documents (ICDs), block diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and state machines.
• A strong sense of ownership and an 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 (Systems Tool Kit).
• Experience with requirements tracking tools like DOORS or Jama.
• Prior experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab, and similar collaboration tools.
• A strong understanding of astrodynamics, the space environment, and their implications for spacecraft design.
• Experience working within a Scaled Agile or other Agile framework.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (BlackSky covers 100% of employee-only premiums and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses).
• 15 days of PTO, 11 company holidays, four floating holidays, paid volunteerism leave, parental leave, and more.
• 401(k) with employer match (pre-tax and Roth options).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs.
• Employer matching donations.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Choice of Mac or PC.
• Company swag.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position in Washington state is $125,000 - $145,000 per year. The final compensation will be based on the candidate's specific background and education. Note that this range may differ in other states or locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BlackSky is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.

Export Control Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (e.g., ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible for necessary authorizations.