Staff/Principal Engineer, Systems

Staff/Principal Systems Engineer

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.

Job Summary:

BlackSky is looking for a proven spacecraft electrical systems engineer to lead the definition, verification, delivery, and assembly of computing hardware and software systems that control 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 Chief Satellite Engineer.

Responsibilities:

• Develop spacecraft command and data handling / avionics subsystem and component level architectures, requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans for hardware and software.
• Contribute to other areas of spacecraft system development and production including digital hardware design, analog design, flight and/or test software development, and testing of hardware and software.
• Work with integration testers to develop test plans that ensure adequate testing of units and systems
• Interface with external suppliers and customers to manage requirements and verification, provide/review deliverables, track technical progress, and assist in anomaly resolution.
• Lead resolution of avionics / C&DH anomalies discovered on-orbit or in integration and test.
• Seek out new technologies, tools and approaches to maintain BlackSky's position as a leader in spacecraft systems.
• Define and maintain hardware in the loop test articles in our R&D lab used for SW, HW, and system design verification.
• Up to 10% travel required.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (or greater) degree in Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in delivery of embedded systems (or six years with a relevant Master of Science degree in Engineering) in a regulated industry such as aerospace, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Deep knowledge within many of the following areas: Communication Protocols (Ethernet, SpaceWire, UART, CameraLink, LVDS, CAN), EMI/EMC, SW/HWIL testing, FMEA (Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis), FDIR design, and reliability analysis.
• Proven capability to lead in-house and subcontractor component/subassembly design.
• Experience collaboratively defining requirements used by others to implement HW and SW systems.
• Experience and comfort with hands-on testing: diagnosis, debug and component, assembly, and system level testing methodologies.
• Effective leadership and communication skills; proven ability to plan, organize, and execute complex development efforts with a wide array of stakeholders.
• While this role does not require a clearance, you must be eligible to obtain a US security clearance, which requires holding US citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 12 years of experience in delivery of embedded systems in a regulated industry such as aerospace, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Experience in defining radiation environments for electronics in space, developing design approaches for radiation mitigation, and radiation testing of electronic parts.
• Digital electrical design and PCA manufacturing experience: schematic capture, parts selection, board design/layout, and manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with FPGA definition and HDL development.
• Software development experience using C for embedded Linux.

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
• Mac or PC? Your choice!
• Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is at the Staff level is $155-180k per year and at the Principal level is $180-205k 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 Seattle, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be 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.

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/AAP/ 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