Principal Engineer, Image Processing Full Time

Summary:

• BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that operates the world’s most advanced space-based intelligence platform.
• They provide satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets, and events globally.
• Trusted by military, intelligence organizations, and commercial companies.
• The Imaging Department is a hybrid hardware-software group dedicated to BlackSky’s image product and on-orbit imaging systems.
• The position is responsible for developing and maintaining the image processing pipeline, transforming raw satellite data into imagery products.

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 algorithms and tools to process raw pixel values into imagery products, and maintain them throughout their operational life cycle.
• Mentor engineers and scientists on best practices and performance, advocating for continuous improvement.
• Engage with stakeholders to solve cross-functional challenges and maximize the value of the image processing pipeline.
• Other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

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

Benefits:

• 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, one day of paid volunteerism leave, 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 options.
• Awesome swag.