Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

Posted: 2026-10-21

Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

- 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.

- 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

- 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