
Senior Engineer, Constellation Systems at BlackSky (Seattle WA Herndon, VA)
BlackSky· Seattle WA Herndon, VA·
Role details
Job description
Senior Engineer, Constellation Systems
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.
BlackSky is seeking a Constellation Systems Engineer to support our distributed remote Constellation Modeling and Analysis (CMA) team. As a member of the interdisciplinary CMA team, the successful candidate will contribute to and apply internally developed modeling and simulation tools and techniques to a wide range of satellite constellation design and mission planning problems to report the performance of our constellation under various scenarios. You will have engagement with customer programs, business development and internal initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, update, and expand processes, methods, and in-house tooling for constellation orbit design for topics including launch planning, revisit specifications, and other topics.
- Support constellation design trades and decision milestones.
- Provide subject matter expertise in Orbital Mechanics.
- Develop analysis scenarios, configurations, and operations impacts to meeting specific requirements within BlackSky’s overall efforts.
- Use and improve constellation modeling and automation tools to report performance metrics for internal trade studies, program, and proposal efforts.
- Support documentation and presentation of analysis results highlighting key aspects.
- Support internal analysis product development, constellation performance demonstrations, and training.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering related disciplines (e.g. aerospace, mechanical, software), physics, or related
- Minimum 5 years of experience of relevant technical experience.
- Familiarity with spacecraft systems, concepts of operations, satellite constellations, or modeling and simulations
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple efforts
- Ability with software languages (Python, C++ preferred)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with colleagues in multiple time zones
- Knowledge in a variety of remote sensing topics
- Demonstrated project experience in Python, JIRA, and GIT (or equivalents)
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
- Professional development
- Mac or PC? Your choice!
- Awesome swag
The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $135,000-150,000 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 Seattle, WA. 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-Remote
EEO/Pay Transparency Statements:
Why work at BlackSky
- Mission-Driven Impact: Employees directly contribute to global security and situational awareness. The company states its work provides “global impact” by supporting real-world operations for national security and disaster response.
- Rapid Growth & Professional Development: As a fast-growing, public company scaling its satellite constellation, BlackSky offers significant opportunities for advancement and responsibility, particularly in engineering, operations, and data science.
- Culture of Speed & Innovation: The company emphasizes a lean, innovative culture where employees work alongside “bright and passionate people” on cutting-edge space technology challenges. The culture is described as one of tremendous professional growth.
- Work-Life Balance: Employee testimonials on the careers page specifically highlight “healthy work-life balance” as a key reason they enjoy working at BlackSky.
- Workplace Policy: The company is headquartered in Herndon, VA, with its satellite manufacturing facility in Tukwila, WA. Many roles (especially engineering) appear to be hybrid or on-site given the nature of the hardware and operations work. The careers page lists roles like Staff Engineer, Constellation Systems; Manager, People & Culture; and UX Designer, suggesting a mix of technical and corporate functions. Source: BlackSky Careers Page.