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# Principal Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle

- **Company:** Blacksky Holdings LLC
- **Location:** Tukwila, WA, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $185,000.0 - $200,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Jama (Software), Gitlab, Information Technology, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** October 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/18712939/Principal-Systems-Engineer-Space-Vehicle-Washington-Tukwila

## About the Role

* Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Science preferred) or a related field.
 * Minimum of 12 years of experience in the Spacecraft or Launch Vehicle industry
 * Deep understanding of spacecraft and subsystem behaviors and dependencies
 * Strong foundational knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineering.
 * Demonstrated expertise in developing system requirements, CONOPS, architecture, and verification & validation plans for complex space systems
 * Demonstrated technical depth in at least one spacecraft subsystem or payload
 * Proven ability to drive cross-functional efforts and deliver results in fast-paced, schedule-critical environments.
 * Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including executives and customers

Preferred Qualifications:

 * Minimum of six years of experience working on satellite design, test, or operations
 * Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, the space environment, basic astrodynamics, and corresponding considerations for spacecraft design including relevant industry standards (NASA, MIL-STD, etc)
 * Experience with satellite operations, launch vehicle interfaces, or commissioning activities
 * Experience with software and/or modeling and simulation tools (Python, MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or similar)
 * Experience with requirements tracking tools (e.g. Jama, DOORS)
 * Experience with Jira, Confluence, GitLab and other similar tools
 * Experience mentoring junior engineers and shaping engineering processes, methods, or best practices
 * Experience interfacing with suppliers and/or external partners

## Description

* Organize, lead, and/or support development of internal and customer-facing Systems Engineering deliverables
 * Lead system-level trade studies, mission analysis, and architecture development to guide key program decisions
 * Define and decompose system CONOPS into Space vehicle, subsystem and component requirements
 * Communicate technical information (analysis results, finding, trades) to peers, the Program Chief Engineer, program management, and customers
 * Create and maintain space vehicle technical budget and analysis templates
 * Represent Systems Engineering within one or more subsystem-oriented Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure IPT needs are met, and sound SE practices are used within those IPTs
 * Develop system, subsystem, and component verification and test plans
 * Conduct independent technical assessments of key subsystems or program decisions
 * Drive identification, tracking, and mitigation of systemlevel risks, issues, and anomalies throughout the program lifecycle
 * Support major program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR) as a system engineering authority
 * Provide technical oversight of component/unit suppliers and support supply chain activities
 * Other job-related duties as assigned.