Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

BlackSky; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

PTO and holidays

Employee stock purchase program

Volunteer time off

Job summary

BlackSky seeks a Principal Systems Engineer for Space Vehicle to lead system-level design, analysis, integration, and delivery for our spacecraft. You will define CONOPS, decompose requirements, and drive verification across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

Reporting to the Director of Systems Engineering, this hybrid role in Tukwila, WA involves collaboration with IPTs, suppliers, and program managers to ensure on-time, high-quality space vehicle development and operations in orbit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science preferred) or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification & validation plans for complex space systems.
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional efforts and deliver results in fast-paced, schedule-critical environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

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 key program decisions.
• Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem and component requirements.
• Communicate technical information to peers, program management, and customers.
• Develop system, subsystem, and component verification and test plans.
• Drive identification, tracking, and mitigation of system risks and issues throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support major program technical reviews as a system engineering authority.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

System requirements

CONOPS development

Verification & validation

Spacecraft systems

Excellent communication

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

Jama

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

GitLab

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

Tukwila, WA

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.

Systems Engineers at BlackSky are the glue that ensures that all the components, subsystems, parts, hardware, software come together to produce best-in-class spacecraft. BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to provide a key role in the definition, verification, assembly, and delivery of our industry-defining spacecraft. You will be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle, from creating and understanding mission needs through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of spacecraft in orbit. Success in the role requires daily collaboration with a diverse set of team members – mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers.

Reporting to the Director, Systems Engineering, this role works in our Tukwila, WA office with a hybrid on-site schedule of 3 days per week with significant flexibility for part-time remote work.

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 key program decisions
• Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem and component requirements
• Communicate technical information (analysis results, finding, trades) to peers, the Program Chief Engineer, program management, and customers
• Create and maintain space vehicle technical budget and analysis templates
• Represent Systems Engineering within one or more subsystem-oriented Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure IPT needs are met, and sound SE practices are used within those IPTs
• 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, PSR) as a system engineering authority
• Provide technical oversight of component/unit suppliers and support supply chain activities
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science preferred) or a related field.
• Minimum of 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 in developing system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification & 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 with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including executives and customers

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Life at BlackSky for full-time 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
• Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in the Great Seattle Area, WA is 185,000 - 200,000 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 not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of the Great Seattle Area.

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.