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BlackSky · 2 months ago

Staff Engineer, Communications Systems

Seattle, WA

Contract

Hybrid

Lead/Staff

$150K/yr - $180K/yr

8+ years exp

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that operates an advanced space-based intelligence platform. The Staff Engineer, Communications Systems role involves engineering and testing communication systems for next-gen satellites, ensuring compatibility with ground stations, and supporting spacecraft throughout its lifecycle.

Defense & Space

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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

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 duties assigned

Qualification

Communication systemsRF hardware testingSystem integrationDesign documentationPythonLinux familiarityRegulatory experienceTeam leadershipCommunicationProblem solving

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Minimum of eight (8) 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

Must be a US Citizen

Preferred

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

Benefits

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

Company

BlackSky

BlackSky is a space-based intelligence company that delivers real-time imagery with global rapid revisit, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events.

Founded in 2013

Herndon, Virginia, US

201-500 employees