Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer

Blacksky Holdings LLC; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) and retirement matching

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Employee stock program

Job summary

BlackSky is seeking a Principal Space Systems R&D Engineer to lead interdisciplinary R&D efforts, vet ideas with senior leaders, and drive funded programs from concept to prototype. You will ensure timely transition to engineering teams and mentor other engineers to advance exciting space technologies.

The role requires 12+ years in space systems, direct experience on multiple flight programs, and proven cross-functional leadership, with active Top Secret clearance eligibility, and ITAR

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or physics field.
• Extensive engineering experience in space systems development.
• Successful capture of government contracts and interaction with US government customers.

Responsibilities

• Identify satellite technologies of strategic interest and down select to a focused portfolio.
• Source R&D funds and prepare pitches and whitepapers for prospective customers.
• Drive technical execution on funded programs and assess impact and feasibility.
• Coordinate transitions from Advanced Concepts to Engineering teams and mentor other engineers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field

Job description

Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Life at BlackSky for full-time US benefits eligible employees includes

• 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

The anticipated salary range for candidates is $180,000-$215,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer and this pay scale may vary based on location.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #LI-Hybrid

EEO/Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf