Blacksky

Senior GNC Engineer

Tukwila, WA · Senior · Full-time

Work authorization required$135k-$160kDetected 20 days ago

PythonMATLABAlgorithmsData AnalysisAerospace EngineeringControlsSimulink

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.
You will work closely with software developers to integrate ADCS components into flight software.
You will work closely with satellite operators to characterize and improve on-orbit ADCS performance.

Perform ADCS subsystem analyses (e.g. agility analysis, pointing budget, pointing stability analysis), iterating with a multi-disciplinary team to optimize designs.
Perform 6DOF simulations to verify satellite design and CONOPs requirements.
Define and validate ADCS component hardware requirements and software service requirements.
Develop GNC/ADCS control algorithms, autonomous behaviors, and failure detection/isolation/recovery protocols.
Develop test plan/procedures for ADCS-related production test and validation
Support satellite launch and early operations (e.g. calibration) activities, in some cases out of business hours.
Perform on-orbit telemetry analysis for satellite characterization and/or troubleshooting.
Build, maintain, and improve GNC team infrastructure and processes.
Seek out new technologies, tools, and approaches to maintain BlackSky's position as a leader in efficient space systems engineering.
Develop test plan/procedures for ADCS-related production test and validation; review production data to assess flightworthiness.

Bachelor of Science (or greater) degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field or equivalent experience (four years).
At least five years of professional experience in spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control and/or Attitude Determination and Control.
Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithm development and analysis.
Experience testing control systems for aerospace vehicles.
Proficiency with linear and nonlinear dynamics, coordinate transformations, and rotation matrix / quaternion mathematics.
Proficiency with Matlab and Simulink for data analysis and model development.
For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.

Experience designing satellites with extreme accuracy pointing requirements.
Experience defining test plans/procedures and performing functional/characterization testing of ADCS components.
Experience with orbital mechanics and orbit propagation.
Experience collaborating with ADCS component suppliers.
Proficiency with Python and/or C++.
Ability to balance system-level thinking with detailed problem solving.
401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $135,000-$160,000 per year.

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.

BlackSky 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.
As a Senior GNC Engineer at BlackSky, you will be a key contributor to the development, production, and operation of high-performance Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) / Attitude Determination and Control (ADC) systems for satellite constellations.
You will perform trade studies, simulations, and other analyses to support end-to-end ADCS design, development, and verification.
You will define test plans and procedures in support of satellite production and verify satellite flightworthiness.
You will do all this while collaborating with a fast-paced, highly skilled technical team focused on producing state-of-the-art satellites.
This role will be a hybrid role based out of Tukwila, WA and will report to the GNC Engineering Manager.
Design sensor and actuator models as part of a high-fidelity satellite truth model.

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BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.
EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements:

This listing is sourced directly from Blacksky's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.