Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle Verified today

About the Role

BlackSky owns and operates an advanced space-based intelligence platform delivering satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring globally. Systems Engineers at BlackSky ensure all components, subsystems, and hardware come together to produce best-in-class spacecraft.

You will be a proven spacecraft systems engineer providing key input throughout the engineering lifecycle: from mission needs definition through design, integration, test, and orbital operations. You will report to the Director, Systems Engineering and work hybrid in our Tukwila, WA office (3 days on-site per week with flexibility for remote work).

What You Will Do

• Organize, lead, and support development of internal and customer-facing Systems Engineering deliverables
• Lead system-level trade studies, mission analysis, and architecture development to guide program decisions
• Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem and component requirements
• Communicate technical analysis results, findings, and 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 Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure SE practices are applied
• 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 systems engineering authority
• Provide technical oversight of component and unit suppliers and support supply chain activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science preferred) or related field
• Minimum 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: electrical, mechanical, and software engineering
• Demonstrated expertise in developing system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification and 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 6 years of experience working on satellite design, test, or operations
• Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and spacecraft design considerations including relevant industry standards (NASA, MIL-STD, etc)
• Experience with satellite operations, launch vehicle interfaces, or commissioning activities
• Experience with software and 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 similar tools
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and shaping engineering processes, methods, or best practices
• Experience interfacing with suppliers and external partners

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated salary range for the Great Seattle Area, WA: $185,000 to $200,000 per year. Final compensation depends on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer; pay scales may differ in other states.

Full-time benefits eligible employees receive:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term 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 PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated), one day paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave
• 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

Export Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, you 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 authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.