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BlackSky

Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer

BlackSky · Herndon, VA

Posted 22 days ago · $180,000-$215,000

or apply directly on BlackSky's site. We never take the application ourselves.

Is this posting real?

This role has been open
22 days
BlackSky's roles stay open a median of 45 days
Reposted
No
Salary listed
Yes
84% of BlackSky's roles list one
Ghost-job risk at BlackSky
high
15 stale, 0 reposted of 25 open
Hiring momentum
43 roles opened in the last 90 days
↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
Last confirmed on the employer's board
2026-09-17

Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from BlackSky's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for BlackSky.

About this role

The Principal Space Systems Research and Development Engineer at BlackSky will lead the development of innovative satellite technologies, focusing on creating validated prototypes for integration into operational capabilities. The role involves identifying strategic satellite technologies, securing R&D funding, executing funded programs, and mentoring other engineers. The engineer will collaborate across various engineering disciplines and engage with customers to ensure impactful outcomes.

Our read on this posting4.6out of 5
benefits
5/5
freshness
4/5
career value
4/5
role clarity
5/5
pay transparency
5/5

Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of BlackSky as an employer.

What you need

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a comparable field.
  • Extensive experience as a systems engineer developing space systems (at least 12 years).
  • Direct work experience on multiple (5+) distinct flight programs to develop space hardware.
  • Direct work experience as a tech lead on multiple (5+) space hardware development efforts.
  • Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
  • Multiple (5+) distinct experiences successfully capturing government contracts and working with US government customers to develop space systems.

Nice to have

  • Direct work experience on multiple distinct flight programs that cover a range of both cost and complexity.
  • Direct work experience developing space systems for international government customers.
  • Direct work experience as a project manager.
  • Depth of knowledge in at least one of the following specialty areas: Space-based optical systems, Other (ie non-optical) remote sensing phenomenologies, Space-based communications systems, On-board processing, Security and/or resiliency of space-based systems, Space-based guidance, navigation, and control systems, Integration & test of precision systems, Space mechanisms and advanced structures.

What you get

  • 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

Worth weighing

  • Position requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, which may limit candidate pool.
  • The role involves both low-risk and high-risk projects, which may lead to varying levels of job stability and pressure.
  • The salary range is broad, and final compensation will depend on specific background and education, which may lead to negotiation variability.

Summarised from BlackSky's posting. Read the full original.

Listed by BlackSky on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.

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