Senior Systems Engineer - Generalist and Test Lab
BlackSky · Seattle, WA
📍 Tukwila, WA💰 $125,000-$145,000via greenhousePosted 2026-06-16
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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.
Job Summary:
Systems Engineers at BlackSky are the glue that ensures that all the components, subsystems, parts, hardware, software come together to produce best-in-class spacecraft. BlackSky is seeking a proven spacecraft systems engineer to provide a key role in the definition, verification, assembly, and delivery of our industry-defining spacecraft. You will be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle, from creating and understanding mission needs through design, integration, test, and ultimately the operation of spacecraft in orbit. Success in the role requires daily collaboration with a diverse set of team members – mechanical, electrical, software, and test engineers, operators, and program managers. Reporting to the Director, Systems Engineering, this role works in our Tukwila, WA office with a hybrid on-site schedule of 3 days per week with significant flexibility for part-time remote work.
Responsibilities:
Organize, lead, and/or support development of internal and customer-facing Systems Engineering deliverables
Serve as a focal point to define and maintain hardware-in-the-loop testbeds which have a diverse set of users and stakeholders
Create and maintain space vehicle technical budgets and analyses
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
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
Compile and review test and other verification data to ensure subsystems and components meet needs
Automate recurring analysis and verification activities
Develop system, subsystem, and component verification and test plans
Provide technical oversight of component/unit suppliers and support supply chain activities
Other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or Computer Science preferred) or equivalent experience.
Minimum of five years of experience in the Aerospace or Defense Industry, with at least two years of experience in a hands-on role in an engineering test lab
Strong foundation in hardware handling and test best practices
Strong understanding of spacecraft and subsystem behaviors and dependencies
Demonstrated ability to produce satellite budgets and analyses (power, mass, reliability, etc.)
Proficient with requirements management practices
Proficient with Python, or other similar tools for data analysis
Experience developing systems engineering artifacts: Interface Control Documents, Internal block diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, state machines, etc.
Strong sense of ownership and innate sense of urgency
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated technical depth in at least one spacecraft subsystem or payload
Experience with requirements tracking tools (e.g. Jama, DOORS)
Experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab and other similar tools
Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and corresponding considerations for spacecraft design
Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering tools and SysML
Experience working within a Scaled Agile or other Agile framework
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 $125,000-$145,000 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 individ
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