Communications Engineer

Communications Engineer

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. This is a hybrid role based out of Seattle, WA and will report to the Director of Ground and Communication Systems. As part of the Communications Engineering team, you will be instrumental in engineering and testing of our communication systems on our next gen satellites along with ground station compatibility. These duties include responsibilities that traverse the entire system design, from network connectivity to the Mission Operations Center to the transmission and receipt of RF signals from space and all the systems and hardware in between. The position is an integral part of our Constellation Engineering and Test teams and is charged with the responsibility of supporting the spacecraft from the initial design phase through its operational life. Routine travel is expected to facilitate support of our remote systems throughout their design and operations lifecycle. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated ability to take on broad scope of work, execute tasks efficiently and autonomously, and has a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn and solve new problems. Additionally, the candidate is a demonstrated self-starter, highly organized with an ability to balance competing priorities and distill highly complex technical programs into clear design and test goals. We are not hiring immediately for this role, but we welcome applications from qualified candidates for future opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Support planning deployment new sites and sustainment of existing network assets throughout the world.
• Installing, servicing, and troubleshooting antenna and transceiver systems
• 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.
• Development and implementation of maintenance plans and inventory systems.
• 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.