BlackSky

Develop and maintain autonomous satellite-constellation mission-planning algorithms, translate concepts into technical requirements, and support constellation operations. | Requires six or more years in complex system automation, an engineering or computer science degree, Python or Go proficiency, optimization-algorithm experience, and US citizenship. | Senior Engineer, Mission Planning 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 a strong, self-starting and eager engineer to join our Mission Planning Engineering team. This integrated product team is working to develop and maintain optimized autonomous operations for the BlackSky constellation. The Mission Planning Team works closely with the Mission Management SW Development team: Mission Planners own requirements documentation, initial scope and design documentation, and will lead SW feature development efforts by writing prototype code and/or written system level requirements which are executable by the SW development team. Strong candidates will have deep mission planning algorithm design experience, specifically for satellite or aerial imaging applications. Prior experience with different types of image planning logic, such as point targets, strip mapping, or pushbroom scanning or equivalent experience with time assignment problems is essential. The candidate should have solid experience in developing both prototype code and software system requirements. In this role, you will develop and track system level requirements, schedules, and technical implementation for a wide variety of mission planning products and see them through to operation on orbit. Opportunities will exist for prototype code development in Python or Go, as well as internal tooling development for measuring KPIs, troubleshooting performance problems, and identifying and correcting inefficiencies in planning algorithms. While the primary responsibility of this hire will be to define system level and software requirements and prototype code, a strong background in production level software or embedded systems experience in spacecraft or autonomous vehicles will be valuable. We have offices in Herndon, VA and Seattle, WA but are open to remote candidates. Responsibilities: Contribute to mission planning integrated product team, interfacing with mission planning, ground software, and operations and product engineers to plan and execute autonomous constellation operations software features. Model, implement, and test concepts of operation for autonomous planning of various constellation activities including imaging, system calibration, propulsion, or other critical activities. This may involve leveraging heritage or building novel algorithms, as well developing new problem formulations to optimize image capture planning while respecting various other constraints and activities. Model satellite subsystems (communications, power, attitude) using methods that are compatible with existing and future ground and control software algorithms as needed to support Mission Planning functions. Support ongoing constellation operations and customer fulfillment efforts as a mission planning subject matter expert. Translate product concepts to engineering requirements and facilitate review and discussion among engineering, product and software stakeholders. Occasional 24/7 support expected during Launch and Early Operations or Anomaly Response in support of debugging and fixing mission planning algorithms. Other relevant duties assigned. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: aerospace or mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer science or equivalent. At least six (6) years of relevant professional experience. Experience with automation of complex systems (satellite, vehicle fleets, drones, shipping/delivery logistics etc.). Experience with planning or optimization algorithms and fluency with inputs/outputs/constraints to such systems. Experience writing technical requirements and driving to implementation. Experience with project management or software product development. Working knowledge of Go or Python. Knowledge of software design, maintenance, and implementation including data structures, data retrieval and storage, algorithm efficiency, and maintainable scalable code. Demonstrated initiative to identify and solve problems or inefficiencies in your current field of expertise. Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience. Ability to sustain a workload consisting of several concurrent, independent activities. This program this role supports requires US citizenship. Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in satellite or aerial imagery mission planning algorithms, specifically prior experience with point target, strip mapping, pushbroom, whiskbroom, wide area capture or stereo capture planning. Fluent in satellite first principals such as orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, and satellite systems. Demonstrated experience with modelling/simulation projects. Strong familiarity with orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, and satellite systems. Experience with planning algorithms and fluency with inputs/outputs/constraints to such systems. Expertise with integer or linear program solvers. Experience with embedded systems pertaining to satellites or other autonomous vehicles. 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 While we may consider more junior candidates, the anticipated salary range for candidates at the posted level in Seattle, WA is $120,000-145,000 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 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/ 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

Translate mission requirements for international defense and intelligence customers into satellite-imaging proposals, demonstrations, and integrated solutions while supporting the sales cycle. | Requires at least eight years in solutions or sales engineering within space or remote sensing, a bachelor's degree in a technical field, strong communication skills, and willingness to travel internationally up to 50%. | Staff Mission Solutions Engineer 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. We are seeking a Mission Solutions Engineer to drive technical sales for our electro-optical (EO) satellite sales portfolio, with a primary focus on international defense, and intelligence (D&I) customers. This is a field-facing, revenue-critical role that bridges deep remote sensing and satellite expertise with consultative selling — translating complex space imaging hardware, software, and communications network capabilities into sovereign mission value for customers outside the United States. You will partner directly with Regional Business Development, Systems Engineering and Account Management leads to scope requirements, design technical solutions, deliver compelling demonstrations, and support the full sales cycle from initial qualification through contract award. This remote role reports to the Senior Director of Solutions Engineering and will have travel expectations of approximately 50%, primarily international. We may be open to a strong international candidate in or near Abu Dhabi, London, or Singapore. Responsibilities: Technical Sales Engagement Serve as the lead technical advisor throughout the satellite sales cycle, partnering with BD Leads on international defense, intelligence, and government accounts. Translate customer mission requirements (ISR, imaging constellation performance, satellite specifications, communications and latency requirements, ground software, collection planning,) into tailored proposals for procurement of satellite constellations based in BlackSky’s existing and future designs. Deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations, and proof-of-concept exercises to senior military, intelligence, and government stakeholders. Respond to RFIs/RFPs with technical narratives, satellite specifications, and ground software architecture inputs. Solution Design & Scoping Work to understand procurement model, involvement in operations, and integration requirements for both ground and space segments. Advise on integration of satellite systems into customer GEOINT/ISR systems, ground stations, and analytic tool chains. Partner with Product Management and Engineering to relay field requirements and competitive intelligence from international markets. Customer & Market Engagement Build and maintain trusted technical relationships with defense ministries, intelligence services, and allied government agencies outside the US. Represent the company at international defense/space trade shows, industry days, and government briefings. Navigate export control data sovereignty, regional offset requirements, and foreign disclosure considerations relevant to each market. Cross-Functional Collaboration Coordinate with Contracts, Legal, and Export Compliance on deal structuring for international government sales. Capture and document lessons learned, win/loss technical feedback, and competitive positioning. Other job-related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in solutions engineering, sales engineering, or technical account management within the commercial remote sensing, satellite imaging, or broader space industry. Working knowledge of electro-optical (EO) satellite imaging systems — satellite hardware, collection planning, tasking, resolution/revisit tradeoffs, and imagery product types, ground architecture, and satellite command and control. Demonstrated experience selling or supporting sales to international defense, intelligence, or government customers. Understanding of (or willingness to quickly learn) regional and customer nuance as it relates to offset, export control, IP transfer, etc. Familiarity with GEOINT/ISR workflows and how imagery integrates into customer analytic and operational systems. Strong presentation and communication skills, with experience briefing senior military, government, or intelligence stakeholders. Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field (geography, GIS, remote sensing, engineering, or related) or equivalent professional experience. Willingness and ability to travel internationally approximately 50% of the time. Fluency in English required; additional regional languages a plus depending on territory. Preferred Qualifications: Prior military, intelligence community, or government service, especially in a role involving imagery intelligence (IMINT), targeting, or ISR operations. Direct experience with a commercial satellite operator or satellite services provider. Existing professional network among defense ministries, intelligence services, or systems integrators in the Gulf, Europe, or Asia-Pacific. Advanced degree in engineering, geography, remote sensing, space systems, or a related technical field. Experience with SAR or multi-sensor fusion in addition to EO imagery. Familiarity with CRM and sales engineering tools (Salesforce, technical proposal platforms). Existing security clearance or eligibility for one, where applicable to the assigned territory. Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees in the US 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 $165,000-205,000 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 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-Remote EEO/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

Lead engineering team to develop and operate autonomous satellite mission management software. | Requires 8+ years software engineering, 2+ years management, technical leadership in distributed systems, and strong cross-functional collaboration. | Mission Management, Software Engineering Manager 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 seeking a thoughtful and technically strong Engineering Manager to lead our Mission Management Engineering team. This integrated product team owns the development and maintenance of optimal, automated autonomous operations for the BlackSky satellite constellation. As the manager of the Mission Management Engineering team, you will guide the engineers who design, build, and operate software that autonomously plan out imaging and communication activity across the BlackSky satellite constellation for imaging operations while meeting constellation performance goals. In this role, you’ll provide technical direction, build healthy engineering processes, and cultivate a culture of curiosity, safety, and ownership. You will partner with mission operations, spacecraft engineering, product teams, and program leadership to ensure the team consistently meets both commercial production goals and program‑driven requirements. This includes balancing long‑term reliability with rapid iteration, supporting operational readiness for live constellation needs, and delivering capabilities aligned with customer commitments and program milestones. You’ll help your team reason about complex autonomous systems where reliability matters as much as performance, and you’ll play a key part in scaling our constellation as we grow. Success in this role means enabling your team to deliver high-quality, dependable software; ensuring operational excellence; communicating effectively across disciplines; and supporting engineers in developing their careers while fostering a collaborative, mission-focused environment. This role is strongly preferred to be in the Seattle, WA area. Who you are: • An effective people manager who is excited to guide, coach, and scale a team. • A technical leader who can provide clear architectural direction while empowering engineers to make informed decisions and grow their expertise. • An organized planner who can translate evolving priorities into clear roadmaps, break work into actionable tasks, and drive predictable execution. • A collaborator who has experience partnering with cross functional teams across an organization. • A dependable executor who drives clear priorities, sets realistic expectations, and ensures the team delivers high‑quality results consistently. • A culture builder who values collaboration, inclusivity, psychological safety, and continuous improvement — and actively models those behaviors. Responsibilities: • Build, develop, and lead the Mission Management engineering team responsible for autonomous satellite operations planning. • Work with leadership to drive prioritization and planning across Mission Management projects with regards to commercial and program objectives, ensuring engineering efforts stay aligned with business goals, customer commitments, and mission operations. • Partner with various teams such as flight operations, flight software, ground software, mission planning, systems engineering, product, and program leadership to clarify requirements, align priorities, and maintain a strong end-to-end understanding of system behavior. • Provide technical direction and architectural guidance for orchestrating constellation activities. • Establish and continuously improve engineering processes including design reviews, code reviews, testing practices, system and satellite safety considerations, and operational readiness. • Foster a healthy on-call culture and ensure effective support of live operational systems, including incident response, root‑cause analysis, and long-term corrective actions. • Drive roadmap planning, resource allocation, and execution across multiple projects, balancing rapid iteration with long‑term reliability and availability. • Hire, onboard, coach, and evaluate engineers, emphasizing skill development, collaboration, and accountability. • Perform other leadership tasks as required to ensure the success of the team and mission. • Support Launch and Early Operations of new satellites. • Other responsibilities as assigned. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: computer sceince, mathematics, physics, statistics, or another computational field. • A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in software engineering, including experience building or operating complex distributed, autonomous, or mission‑critical systems. • At least two (2) years of experience leading engineering teams as a people manager or technical lead with formal leadership responsibilities. • Strong technical background in one or more programming languages (e.g., Go, Python, C++), with the ability to provide architectural guidance and review complex designs. • Experience developing and deploying microservices in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and on-premises Kubernetes‑based systems. • Solid understanding of CI/CD pipelines, automated testing strategies, version control, and operational best practices. • Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, coordinate across teams, and deliver results in fast-paced environments with operational dependencies. • Excellent communication, collaboration, and conflict‑resolution skills, especially in cross‑functional settings. • Some programs this role supports may require the candidate to be a U.S. citizen. Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant technical field. • Experience managing teams working with infrastructure‑as‑code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible), container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes, Nomad), or distributed systems. • Knowledge of system safety, fault tolerance, redundancy, and recovery strategies in autonomous or operationally sensitive environments. • Background in satellite operations, ground stations, or aerospace domains (e.g., orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, and satellite systems). • Experience with automation of complex systems (satellite, vehicle fleets, drones, etc.). • Expertise in software/hardware performance characteristic. • Knowledge of geospatial systems or data. • Prior experience aligning engineering execution with both commercial production SLAs and program‑specific requirements, deliverables, or milestones. 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 $165,000-205,000 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 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/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