About the job
BlackSky seeks a Lead Software Engineer for its Ground & Control Services team. This position focuses on building autonomous software that manages and monitors a satellite constellation. The work spans high-speed tasking, ground and space telemetry, health monitoring, and low-latency connections with ground stations around the world. The software you help create will tie hardware-level interfaces to cloud-based microservices, supporting systems that keep satellites safe, responsive, and efficient with minimal human oversight.
Role overview
This role involves designing and developing mission-critical systems that operate 24/7. The team’s software enables real-time control and monitoring, requiring careful attention to safety, precision, and testability. The position is open to candidates in Seattle, WA, Herndon, VA, or remote in select states.
What you will do
- Develop autonomous software for satellite control and monitoring
- Implement solutions for high-speed tasking and health monitoring
- Connect hardware-level interfaces to cloud microservices
- Support low-latency communications with global ground stations
- Contribute to systems that must operate reliably with minimal human intervention
Requirements
- Initiative and ownership in tackling complex technical challenges
- Curiosity about autonomous and mission-critical systems
- Discipline to trace, validate, and challenge requirements as needed
- Commitment to safety, precision, and testability in software
- Experience with both low-level and cloud-based technologies
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
BlackSky values a people-first, customer-centric culture. The team welcomes candidates who are humble, focused, and eager to contribute to a shared mission.

