Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

BlackSky•Tukwila, WA

2d•$185,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to support the definition, verification, assembly, and delivery of spacecraft. The role spans the engineering lifecycle, from understanding mission needs through design, integration, test, and spacecraft operations in orbit. It requires daily collaboration with mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers. The position reports to the Director, Systems Engineering and is based in BlackSky’s Tukwila, Washington office, with a hybrid schedule of three days per week onsite and significant flexibility for part-time remote work.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related field; Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science is preferred.
At least 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, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineering.
Demonstrated expertise 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 and ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including executives and customers.
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 required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

At least six years of experience working on satellite design, test, or operations.
Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and related spacecraft design considerations, including relevant industry standards such as NASA and MIL-STD.
Experience with satellite operations, launch vehicle interfaces, or commissioning activities.
Experience with software and/or modeling and simulation tools such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or STK.
Experience with requirements tracking tools such as Jama or DOORS.
Experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab, or similar tools.
Experience mentoring junior engineers and shaping engineering processes, methods, or best practices.
Experience interfacing with suppliers and/or external partners.

Responsibilities

Organize, lead, and/or 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 information, including analysis results and trade findings, to peers, the Program Chief Engineer, program management, and customers.
Create and maintain space vehicle technical budgets and analysis templates.
Represent Systems Engineering within subsystem-oriented Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring IPT needs are met and sound systems engineering practices are used.
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, and PSR) as a systems engineering authority.
Provide technical oversight of component and unit suppliers and support supply chain activities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, and voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only medical, dental, and vision premiums and contributes $100 per 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 volunteer 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.
Company swag.