Software Engineer (Python)

About Us

BlackSky is a leading real-time intelligence company that owns and operates one of the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platforms. We provide our clients with high-resolution satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring capabilities of strategic locations, economic assets, and global events. Trusted by military, intelligence, and commercial organizations worldwide, BlackSky enables its customers to gain foresight into critical issues affecting national security and economic stability. Our data-driven solutions empower governments and businesses to see, understand, and anticipate changes as they happen, giving them a strategic advantage to act swiftly and effectively. Our global team is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to make a meaningful impact across various sectors, fostering a people-first, customer-centric, and innovative work environment.

About The Role

BlackSky is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Staff Software Engineer specializing in Mission Management to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and optimizing autonomous operations for our satellite constellation. You will work on designing scalable and efficient software systems, focusing on data structures, data storage, and retrieval, as well as algorithm implementation to support mission-critical functionalities. The position involves developing production-level code primarily in Python and Go, with opportunities to grow into technical or functional leadership roles based on demonstrated expertise and initiative. You will collaborate closely with mission planning, ground software, and platform engineering teams to ensure seamless operation of our satellite constellation, supporting launch, on-orbit operations, and customer fulfillment. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to mission-critical systems in a fast-paced, innovative environment, with a focus on automation, scalability, and operational stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, statistics, or a related computational field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant software development experience.
• Proficiency in Python and a strong understanding of Go programming language.
• Expertise in software design, maintenance, and implementation, including data structures, data retrieval and storage, and algorithm efficiency.
• Prominent ability to identify and resolve problems or inefficiencies within complex systems.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Able to manage multiple concurrent and independent activities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software components integral to BlackSky’s mission management services.
• Participate actively in design reviews, code reviews, and team planning sessions to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Conduct testing, debugging, and documentation of software functionalities to ensure robustness and reliability.
• Proactively identify ambiguities or limitations in requirements and communicate these issues to stakeholders early in the development process.
• Collaborate with mission planning, ground systems, and platform engineers to plan and execute autonomous satellite operations software.
• Support operational tasks to maintain system stability in production environments and assist with ongoing satellite constellation operations.
• Perform on-call rotations to troubleshoot and resolve live system issues promptly.
• Assist with the launch and early operational phases of new satellite deployments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage, with BlackSky covering 100% of employee-only premiums.
• Disability insurance, group term life, and AD&D coverage.
• Generous paid time off including 15 days of PTO, 11 company holidays, four floating holidays, and one paid volunteer day annually.
• Parental leave and other family-friendly benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth options, including employer matching contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program to invest in company growth.
• Employee Assistance Program and Travel Assistance services.
• Employer-sponsored charitable donation matching programs.
• Choice of Mac or PC workstations and access to company swag and amenities.

Equal Opportunity

BlackSky is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.