Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

BlackSky • Tukwila, WA

1d • $185,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to help define, verify, assemble, and deliver spacecraft. The role spans the engineering lifecycle, from understanding mission needs through design, integration, testing, and spacecraft operations. The engineer collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers. This 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 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.
• 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.
• 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, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, in order to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

• At least six years of experience working on satellite design, testing, or operations.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and 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 support 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 studies, 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, including 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 paid volunteerism day 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal