Senior RF 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.

BlackSky is looking for an engineer with a strong background in RF communications to be a part of a multi-disciplinary team in the development of satellite communication systems. As part of the Communications Engineering team, you will be instrumental in engineering design, production and testing of our communication systems on our next gen satellites along with ground station compatibility. While primarily focused on spacecraft communications, you’ll be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of satellites. This position is ideal for a candidate who possesses the eagerness and aptitude to adapt and extend traditional systems engineering and spacecraft development practices to an agile and low-cost environment.

You will be engaged in all aspects of satellite system and subsystem electrical design and test, with a focus on RF networks and satellite communication systems. You will use your understanding of electrical and RF communications principles and concepts to support the design and development of satellites through all phases of the product lifecycle. You’ll work directly with technical leadership and other members of a multi-disciplined team to develop and test microsatellite communications systems. You will architect and execute test plans to show functionality of these systems. Furthermore, you will also be responsible for interfacing with ground station providers and satellite end users to ensure system compatibility. This role will be based out of Tukwila, WA and will report to the Director of Ground and Communication Systems.

Responsibilities:

• As a member of the satellite communications system, you will be involved with performing communications system design and analysis, testing, debug, data analysis, and supporting flight hardware design.
• Perform functional analyses (link, power, throughput, etc.), detailed trade studies, and interface definition efforts to translate initial requirements into concepts and eventually detailed and qualified designs.
• Identify the necessary space-segment and ground-segment hardware necessary to accomplish payload and telemetry transmission over a wide range of mission CONOPS and orbital parameters.
• Create dedicated test setups, procedures for antenna checkout, radio peripheral checkout, cable/phasing network checkout, ground station compatibility tests, channel simulation tests, regulatory tests, and end to end full RF systems tests.
• Work hands-on with digital and analog RF equipment including radios, antennas, ADCs, and ground support equipment.
• Support production testers in the development and execution of test plans that ensure adequate testing of units and the complete system.
• Interface with supplier/vendors as needed to support subsystem procurement, design, development, and production.
• Collaborate among a multi-disciplinary engineering and production team to design and test satellite systems, subsystems, and components
• Support analyses and troubleshooting of in-orbit communication challenges and advise on operational Con Ops and performance.
• Manage competing priorities and manage individual tasks towards larger company and team objectives.
• Other relevant duties assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• A minimum of five years of technical experience, preferably in a space operations environment.
• Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective, including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation.
• Familiarity with existing communications technology in aerospace and space industries.
• Experience developing and validating RF link budget system models.
• Knowledge of key parameters for Noise and Linearity for RF Systems and their impact on system performance.
• Familiarity with using RF and Electrical Test Equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, VNA, noise sources, etc.)
• Ability to develop of design documentation.
• Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills, including team leadership experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
• Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast paced environment.
• Proven experience as a self-starter, that can work independently to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with avionics and antenna installation, testing and maintenance.
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics.
• Experience with requirements and verification database management tools (We use Jama, DOORS and others are also good experience to have).
• Knowledge of CCSDS communications standard and AES/GCM encryption.
• Experience with DVB-S2/S2X.
• Experience with test automation and efficient data processing (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
• Experience writing software for data analysis and test conduct (python, MATLAB, bash, etc.) and developing test scripts to interface with hardware.
• Knowledge of RF licensing procedures or other RF regulatory experience.
• Ability to balance system level thinking with detailed problem solving.

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 Tukwila, WA is $135,000 to $155,000 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 Tukwila, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AAP/ 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

Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer

About Us:

BlackSky 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.

As a Senior GNC Engineer at BlackSky, you will be a key contributor to the development, production, and operation of high-performance Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) / Attitude Determination and Control (ADC) systems for satellite constellations. You will perform trade studies, simulations, and other analyses to support end-to-end ADCS design, development, and verification. You will work closely with software developers to integrate ADCS components into flight software. You will define test plans and procedures in support of satellite production and verify satellite flightworthiness. You will work closely with satellite operators to characterize and improve on-orbit ADCS performance. You will do all this while collaborating with a fast-paced, highly skilled technical team focused on producing state-of-the-art satellites. This role will be a hybrid role based out of Tukwila, WA and will report to the GNC Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Perform ADCS subsystem analyses (e.g. agility analysis, pointing budget, pointing stability analysis), iterating with a multi-disciplinary team to optimize designs.
• Perform 6DOF simulations to verify satellite design and CONOPs requirements.
• Define and validate ADCS component hardware requirements and software service requirements.
• Coordinate ADCS component software integration with software engineers.
• Develop GNC/ADCS control algorithms, autonomous behaviors, and failure detection/isolation/recovery protocols.
• Design sensor and actuator models as part of a high-fidelity satellite truth model.
• Develop test plan/procedures for ADCS-related production test and validation; review production data to assess flightworthiness.
• Support satellite launch and early operations (e.g. calibration) activities, in some cases out of business hours.
• Perform on-orbit telemetry analysis for satellite characterization and/or troubleshooting.
• Work closely with attitude control system hardware providers to provide technical oversight and review.
• Build, maintain, and improve GNC team infrastructure and processes.
• Seek out new technologies, tools, and approaches to maintain BlackSky’s position as a leader in efficient space systems engineering.

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor of Science (or greater) degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control and/or Attitude Determination and Control.
• Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithm development and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to perform trade studies, simulations, and other analyses to support end-to-end ADCS design, development, and verification.
• Experience testing control systems for aerospace vehicles.
• Proficiency with linear and nonlinear dynamics, coordinate transformations, and rotation matrix / quaternion mathematics.
• Proficiency with Matlab and Simulink for data analysis and model development.
• For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing satellites with extreme accuracy pointing requirements.
• Experience defining test plans/procedures and performing functional/characterization testing of ADCS components.
• Experience with orbital mechanics and orbit propagation.
• Experience developing satellite truth models in Matlab/Simulink for data analysis and model development.
• Experience collaborating with ADCS component suppliers.
• Proficiency with Python and/or C++.
• Ability to balance system-level thinking with detailed problem solving.

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
• Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $135,000-$160,000 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/Affirmative Action 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.

EEO/AAP/ 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

Senior Buyer

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 looking for a strong Supply Chain Buyer to directly support manufacturing operations in Tukwila, WA. The ideal candidate will have senior level, in-industry experience with all phases of supply chain management, including planning, requisition, sourcing, managing orders, and keeping suppliers on time to schedule. Our team is small but mighty and is a major stakeholder in the future of BlackSky's business. This position reports to the Director, Supply Chain and is a hybrid position, expected to be in the Tukwila office 2-3 days a week. 

Responsibilities:

• Place and oversee multiple procurement activities.
• Plan, schedule, and arrange activities to accomplish sourcing objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate and collaborate with key internal stakeholders such as contracts, engineering, planning, operations, program and end-users.
• Facilitate the creation of supplier work statements, terms and conditions for the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and/or services.
• Employ sound business practices and assesses supplier performance as part of follow-up activities.
• Identify strategies and opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and manage risk through strategic and targeted negotiations.
• Monitor supplier quality and reliability, as well as supplier ability to support required delivery schedules.
• Initiate Requests for Quotations and Proposals and analyzes proposed pricing from potential suppliers.
• Support contractual management for the supplier.
• Prepare bid packages, analyzes and evaluates proposals, negotiates subcontract provisions, selects or recommends subcontractors, writes awards, and administers resulting subcontracts.
• Responsible for source selection from contract proposal to execution phases.
• Review and approve supplier payment (invoices) as needed.
• Source and procure commodities such as hardware components, COTS items, electronic components, and subsystems in support of production and development requirements
• Utilize process tools with suppliers to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Work with internal customers to ensure specifications are appropriate for the services or products as needed.
• Interpret and apply company, policies, procedures, work instructions, business standards and U.S. government regulations, i.e., FAR, DFAR, ITAR/EAR, and SOX Compliance.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Operations Management or equivalent experience (four additional years) and at least five (5) years of experience with  Supply Chain, Material Finance, Transport/Logistics, Operations or other relevant material planning. Or, Master's degree and at least four (4) years of relevant experience as noted above.
• FAR/DFAR experience and ITAR/EAR compliance.
• Experience with MRP tools including planning and procurement modules.
• Experience with government purchasing and contracting requirement.
• High-value subcontract, or high-volume procurement management experience.
• Possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills and be extremely organized.
• Proficiency in the procurement process, including but not limited to price analysis, negotiations, policies and procedures, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present information; strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Collaborative and adaptable to a fluid environment, able to prioritize tasks and responsibilities appropriately. 
• Previous negotiation and forecasting experience, preferably in an aerospace industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Experience with Costpoint and/or PLEX.

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 Tukwila, WA is $95,000-110,000 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/Affirmative Action 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.

EEO/AAP/ 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

#LI-Hybrid

Senior Structural Analysis 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.

As a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer at BlackSky, you will support the development, verification, and test of our satellite systems and supporting hardware. You will build finite element models of space hardware including electromechanical devices, deployed and stowed appendages, fully integrated satellites, and ground support equipment. You will use these models to evaluate environments and structural performance to determine flightworthiness of the full satellite design down through component levels of assembly. You will be active in the test process, including generation of test procedures, conducting pre-test analysis, determining instrumentation locations, conducting testing, reducing test data, and performing post-test model correlation.  You will work closely with satellite operators and launch service providers to ensure design compatibility with launch loads and generate and submit verification artifacts.  You will do all this while collaborating within a fast-paced, highly skilled technical team focused on producing state-of-the-art satellites. 

This position reports to the Director, Mechanical Engineering and is a hybrid role based out of our Tukwila, WA office. 

Responsibilities:

• Perform moderate-scale structural analysis efforts with a large degree of cross-functional coordination.
• Develop and maintain component, subassembly, and satellite level finite element models (FEMs).
• Perform and document finite element analysis results for modal, stress, and vibration analysis.
• Document design, analysis, and test results in technical reports and presentations.
• Iterate within a multi-disciplinary team to optimize designs.
• Create and execute structural test plans and procedures for vibration, shock, and static loads.
• Develop and maintain structural analysis software tools.
• Seek out new technologies, tools, and approaches to maintain BlackSky’s position as a leader in efficient space system engineering.
• Creatively address unique and varying launch load conditions for many combinations of launch environments and payload assemblies.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor of Science (or greater) degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• At least six (6) years of professional experience performing structural analysis on spacecraft or launch vehicle structures and components.
• Ability to set up and perform structural analysis on satellite components, satellite systems, launch vehicle adapters, and other complex integrated assemblies.
• Demonstrated successful experience performing static, modal, and vibration analyses to generate predictions for forces, stresses, deflections, and vibration responses.
• Proficiency with NASTRAN analysis software.
• Proficiency with Femap/Patran pre-/post- processors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a vibration test lab including instrumentation definition and installation, test article installation, GSE design, test control software operation, etc.
• Experience developing analysis and test results processing tools using Excel, MATLAB, and/or Python.

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 Washington state is $130,000-150,000 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/Affirmative Action 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/AAP/ 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