Senior Space Systems R&D Architect

Openkrill; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) and employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Employee stock purchase program

Volunteer time off

Job summary

BlackSky is seeking a Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer to lead the technical development of satellite-related technologies and validated prototypes for integration into BlackSky’s operational capabilities.

You will manage a portfolio with both near-term (12–18 months) and long-term (3–4 years) horizons, mentor engineers, and collaborate with Sales/BD and Customer Programs to secure funding and drive impact.

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 across electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines.
• Multiple (5+) distinct experiences successfully capturing government contracts with US government customers.

Responsibilities

• Identify satellite technologies of strategic interest and down select to a focused portfolio.
• Source R&D funds by writing whitepapers and presenting to prospective customers.
• Drive technical execution on funded programs and assess impact and feasibility.
• Ensure smooth transition from Advanced Concepts to the appropriate Engineering team.
• Mentor other engineers and share knowledge across teams.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Systems engineering

Space hardware

Technical lead

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance

Communication & writing

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics

Job description

BlackSky is seeking a Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer to lead the technical development of satellite-related technologies and validated prototypes for integration into BlackSky’s operational capabilities.

You will manage a portfolio with both near-term (12–18 months) and long-term (3–4 years) horizons, mentor engineers, and collaborate with Sales/BD and Customer Programs to secure funding and drive impact.