Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer

BlackSky•Herndon, VA

3h•$180,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a principal engineer in the Space Systems R&D group, you will lead the technical development of a portfolio of innovative satellite-related technologies to deliver validated, high-impact prototypes that are ready for integration into BlackSky’s operational capabilities. This portfolio will be a mixture of ideas, some of which BlackSky asks you to lead and some of which you yourself originate. Your portfolio will also have a mixture of time horizons. Some ideas will be small, low-risk, and concrete with an expectation of improving BlackSky’s offerings within ~12-18 months. Other ideas will be big, risky, and aspirational, offering the opportunity to massively improve BlackSky’s offerings on a ~3-4 years horizon. You are the champion for your portfolio and will be asked to bring it to life in partnership with other engineering and customer-facing roles. This position reports to the VP, Imaging and due to classified support requires a candidate being near our Herndon, VA office or another location if the candidate has access to a local SCIF.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a comparable field.
Extensive experience as a systems engineer developing space systems (at least 12 years).
Direct work experience on multiple (5+) distinct flight programs to develop space hardware
Direct work experience as a tech lead on multiple (5+) space hardware development efforts
Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
Multiple (5+) distinct experiences successfully capturing government contracts and working with US government customers to develop space systems.
Proven ability to drive cross-functional efforts and deliver results in fast-paced, schedule-critical environments.
Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Direct work experience on multiple distinct flight programs that cover a range of both cost and complexity; this could include anything from delivering a new component to delivering an entire satellite.
Direct work experience developing space systems for international government customers.
Direct work experience as a project manager.
Depth of knowledge in at least one of the following specialty areas: Space-based optical systems, Other (ie non-optical) remote sensing phenomonologies, Space-based communications systems, On-board processing, Security and/or resiliency of space-based systems, Space-based guidance, navigation, and control systems, Integration & test of precision systems, Space mechanisms and advanced structures

Responsibilities

Identify satellite technologies of strategic interest to the business; vet these ideas with senior leaders at BlackSky and down select to a focused set of pursuits (aka your portfolio).
Work with Sales/BD and Customer Program Managers to source R&D funds for your portfolio; this will include writing whitepapers, making pitch slides, and meeting with prospective customers, oftentimes at their facilities.
Once an idea has funding, you will drive the technical execution on the funded program. While you are executing on the program, you will also continue to assess the idea’s impact and feasibility. You may continue to evangelize an idea or you may realize a showstopping issue, such is the life of R&D! You aren’t beholden to a particular idea; you are beholden to positive impact and mission utility.
Once you have a validated prototype that is ready for integration into BlackSky’s operational architecture, you will work with Engineering to ensure a timely and effective transition from Advanced Concepts to the appropriate Engineering team.
Mentor other engineers to bring your extensive knowledge of exciting technologies and/or capabilities to BlackSky.
Other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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