Principal Space Vehicle Systems Engineer — Hybrid

Blacksky Holdings LLC; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

BlackSky is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle to drive the definition, verification, and delivery of our spacecraft. You will collaborate daily with mechanical, electrical, software, test engineers, operators, and program managers to ensure end-to-end success from mission needs through in-orbit operations.

The role requires deep spacecraft systems knowledge with a proven track record in requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification plans.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related field; space/flight focus preferred.
• 12+ years in spacecraft or launch vehicle industries.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft and subsystem behaviors.
• Multidisciplinary knowledge: electrical, mechanical, software.
• Experience with system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification plans.

Responsibilities

• Organize, lead internal and customer-facing SE deliverables.
• Lead system-level trade studies, mission analysis, and architecture.
• Define and decompose CONOPS into vehicle, subsystems, components.
• Communicate results to executives, management, and customers.
• Create and maintain space vehicle budgets and templates.
• Represent SE within IPTs to ensure needs are met.
• Develop verification and test plans for subsystems and components.
• Assess risks, issues, and anomalies through the program lifecycle.
• Support major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR) as SE authority.
• Oversee suppliers and supply chain activities.

Skills

Spacecraft systems

Requirements development

CONOPS design

Verification & validation

Cross-functional leadership

Electrical, mechanical, software

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Jama

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

GitLab

Job description

BlackSky is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle to drive the definition, verification, and delivery of our spacecraft. You will collaborate daily with mechanical, electrical, software, test engineers, operators, and program managers to ensure end-to-end success from mission needs through in-orbit operations.

The role requires deep spacecraft systems knowledge with a proven track record in requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification plans.