Blacksky

Blacksky

Senior RF Engineer

Tukwila, WA · Senior · Full-time

Work authorization required$135k-$155kDetected 19 days ago
PythonMATLABBashData AnalysisProduct ManagementProcurementAvionicsSystems EngineeringElectrical EngineeringSignal ProcessingLabVIEWTest AutomationLeadershipCommunication

About the role

  • 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.
  • 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 architect and execute test plans to show functionality of these systems.

Responsibilities

  • As a member of the satellite communications system, you will be involved with performing communications system design and analysis, testing, debug, data analysis, and supporting 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.
  • 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.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Familiarity with existing communications technology in aerospace and space industries.
  • 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.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
  • Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast paced environment.
  • For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.

Nice to have

  • 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).
  • Knowledge of RF licensing procedures or other RF regulatory experience.
  • Ability to balance system level thinking with detailed problem solving.

Compensation

  • The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $135,000 to $155,000 per year.

Benefits

  • 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
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education.

Company info

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Equal opportunity

  • 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
  • BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.
  • EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Visa & Work Authorization

  • For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen
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This listing is sourced directly from Blacksky's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.