Principal Image Processing Engineer

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

The Imaging Department is a hybrid hardware-software group dedicated to the performance of BlackSky's imagery product and its on-orbit imaging systems. The group builds and sustains BlackSky’s image processing pipeline. As a principal engineer you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the pipeline that transforms the raw pixels collected by BlackSky’s satellites into imagery products. This position reports to the Director, Image Processing & Software and while the locations listed in the job posting are ideal, we would love candidates near either our Herndon, VA or Seattle, WA offices. We may also consider remote candidates in certain states.

Responsibilities:

  • Architect, write, deploy, and maintain the production image processing pipeline that transforms raw data from the satellites into imagery products and calibration coefficients.
  • Lead the testing and development of automated processes for monitoring image quality and regression testing of the image processing pipeline.
  • Develop the algorithms and tools to process raw pixel values into imagery products. Maintain those algorithms and tools throughout their operational life cycle, particularly in commercial operations.
  • Mentor engineers and scientists on best practices and performance; identify gaps in requirements or implementation processes and advocate for continuous improvement.
  • Engage with stakeholders from across BlackSky’s architecture to solve cross-functional challenges and maximize the value of BlackSky’s image processing pipeline.
  • Other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, Remote Sensing, Geosciences, Computer Science or related engineering fields.
  • A strong mathematical base in algorithm development, numerics, data processing, and uncertainty propagation.
  • Experience participating in an enterprise software development environment.
  • Expertise in agile development methodologies, git, CI/CD.
  • Extensive expertise in Python.
  • Experience with key data science, image processing, and geospatial libraries, such as NumPy, Pandas, OpenCV, GDAL, etc.
  • Proficiency with C++, C, and Cython (in addition to Python).
  • Experience with GPUs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and succinctly.
  • Must be a US-born citizen to support this program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience working with CCD and CMOS sensors.
  • Experience working with reflective and/or refractive telescopes.

Life at BlackSky for full-time US benefits eligible employees includes:

  • 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
  • Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
  • Employer matching donations
  • Professional development
  • Mac or PC? Your choice!
  • Awesome swag

The anticipated base salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $180,000-220,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.

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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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