Lead Engineer, Spacecraft Communications

Lead Engineer, Spacecraft Communications

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:

• Act as the technical lead of the satellite communications system which will involve performing communications system design and analysis, testing, debug, data analysis, and overseeing 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.
• Develop and maintain communications subsystem and component specifications and verifications plans in accordance with BlackSky Systems Engineering best practices.
• 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 eight 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.
• 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.
• Experience leading a team.
• 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 Seattle, WA is $170,000 to $210,000 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