Senior Engineer - Embedded/Flight Software

BlackSky•Seattle, WA

3d•$140,000 - $165,000

About The Position

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that operates a space-based intelligence platform and provides satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring. The Senior Engineer will join the Satellite Embedded Software Group as a hands-on individual contributor, reporting to the Senior Manager of Flight Software. The role focuses on software design, development, and technical leadership for satellite imaging payload and ADCS subsystems, with contributions to software requirements and test-plan support. The engineer may also work on other flight software subsystems and provide mentorship as the team grows. The position supports multiple critical programs from design through execution. It involves collaboration with embedded systems colleagues and cross-functional and program teams, including Satellite Operations and Mission Management. The preferred location is Tukwila, Washington, with work in the Tukwila office one to two days per week; exceptional remote candidates may be considered. Due to program requirements, the posting requires US-born citizenship. The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, Washington, is $140,000–$165,000 per year. Final compensation depends on the candidate’s background and education, and the stated pay scale may not apply to other locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
At least six years of experience delivering and maintaining commercial or embedded software in a production environment.
Expertise in writing clean and maintainable C/C++ and Python code.
Expertise in embedded systems, ideally Embedded Linux and related build systems such as Buildroot or Yocto.
Proven experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver products on time and on budget.
Outstanding root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work across teams and skill sets and communicate in a diverse environment.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
US-born citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in a relevant field.
Experience with board bring-up for embedded Linux platforms.
Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, SPI, CAN, USART, PHY, SpaceWire, Cameralink, and RS-422, or high-speed interfaces such as 10G Ethernet, DMA, and PCIe.
Experience with real-time operating systems, including FreeRTOS.
Familiarity with U-Boot or other boot loaders.
Space industry experience and familiarity with satellite components.
Experience with embedded software relevant to ADCS/GNC.

Responsibilities

Provide subject matter expertise for ADCS and imaging payload subsystem software design and development.
Drive work to timely completion using task-management tools such as Jira in an Agile-like environment; participate in and lead status and standup meetings, sprint planning, and tasking.
Collaborate with embedded software team members and cross-functional engineers from multiple disciplines to deliver mission-critical software features and bug fixes on time and without defects.
Ensure adequate documentation, testing, inspection, and analysis are delivered and performed to verify compliance with requirements and other goals.
Assist Systems Engineering with requirements development and management.
Execute and provide feedback on flight software design, development, unit testing, and release processes.
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 (prorated 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.
Choice of Mac or PC.
Company swag.