Principal Communications Engineer

Principal Communications Systems Engineer (Ground Stations)

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.

This a hybrid role based out of Seattle, WA and will report to the Director of Ground and Communication Systems. As part of the Communications Engineering team, you will be instrumental in engineering and testing of our communication systems on our next gen satellites along with ground station compatibility. These duties include responsibilities that traverse the entire system design, from network connectivity to the Mission Operations Center to the transmission and receipt of RF signals from space and all the systems and hardware in between.

The position is an integral part of our Constellation Engineering and Test teams and is charged with the responsibility of supporting the spacecraft from the initial design phase through its operational life. Routine travel is expected to facilitate to support our remote systems throughout their design and operations lifecycle. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated ability to take on broad scope of work, execute tasks efficiently and autonomously, and has a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn and solve new problems. Additionally, the candidate is a demonstrated self-starter, highly organized with an ability to balance competing priorities and distill highly complex technical programs into clear design and test goals. 

Responsibilities:

• Deployment of new sites and sustainment of existing network assets throughout the world. System level design and integration of sites across site hardware, software, network, and planning. Installing, servicing, and troubleshooting antenna and transceiver systems.
• Guide overall ground station network development and strategy, including improvements in current ground station architecture for better performance, maintainability, and capabilities.
• Develop and release design documentation to facilitate the engineering of satellite systems and ground station solutions.
• Define and perform tests to qualify and accept new site deployments, new hardware and new features.
• Ordering, assembly, and pre-deployment testing and logistical planning for lab and ground station hardware. Build, test, troubleshoot and route RF, network, and discrete cables.
• Develop and execute test program that will qualify new hardware to meet system requirements and ensure compatibility between space and ground segments.
• Identify, Interface, and work to solve technical constraints with vendors across the globe to facilitate installation of deployment and operational support of hardware.
• Support regulatory filings and analysis to show system compliance.
• Support operational team with analysis of ground station and/or communications issue and work to improve tracking and responsiveness to operational issues, optimizing and improving the system.
• Interface effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including other communications engineers, program management, software developers, IT, and systems engineering. Serve as a representative of the comms team to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities and individual tasks towards larger company and team objectives.
• 10-15% travel required.
• Other relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of technical experience, preferably in a space operations environment.
• Understanding of key communication systems theories and techniques including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation.
• Experience with hands-on testing of RF hardware, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and other RF testing equipment.
• System level understanding of disciplines required for site integration including network, software, and mission planning
• Ability to develop design documentation.
• Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
• Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast paced environment.
• Ability to balance system level thinking with detailed problem solving.
• Proven experience as a self-starter, that can work independently to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• Must be willing/able to travel internationally with a team or individually.
• For this specific program support, candidates must hold US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with antenna installation, testing and maintenance.
• Experience writing software for data analysis and test conduct (python, MATLAB, bash, etc.) and developing test scripts to interface with hardware.
• Linux familiarity.
• Knowledge of satellite systems or RF ground systems.
• Knowledge of RF licensing procedures.
• Regulatory experience.
• Team leadership experience.

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 $180,000-$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 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