Senior RF Engineer

About the role

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that owns and operates the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform. We provide satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets, and events globally. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong background in RF communications who will be a part of a multi-disciplinary team in the development of satellite communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform communications system design and analysis, testing, debug, data analysis, and supporting flight hardware design.
• Translate initial requirements into concepts and eventually detailed and qualified designs through functional analyses (link, power, throughput, etc.), detailed trade studies, and interface definition efforts.
• 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.
• A minimum of five years of technical experience, preferably in a space operations environment.
• Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective, including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation.
• Familiarity with existing communications technology in aerospace and space industries.
• Experience developing and validating RF link budget system models.
• 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.).
• Ability to develop design documentation.
• Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills, including team leadership experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
• Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience as a self-starter, that can work independently to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen for this program.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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).
• Experience writing software for data analysis and test conduct (python, MATLAB, bash, etc.) and developing test scripts to interface with hardware.
• Knowledge of RF licensing procedures or other RF regulatory experience.
• Ability to balance system level thinking with detailed problem solving.

Lifestyle at BlackSky

BlackSky offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance, 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. The company also provides a 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match, flexible spending accounts, employee stock purchase program, employee assistance and travel assistance programs, employer matching donations, professional development, Mac or PC, and awesome swag. The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $135,000 to $155,000 per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.