Mid-level Aerospace Controls Engineer

About Us

BlackVe, Inc is a dynamic and innovative national security-focused space company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering excellence for our exceptional customers.

Job Description

As a Mid-Level Aerospace Controls Engineer at BlackVe, Inc, you will be an integral part of our dynamic engineering team, responsible for designing, analyzing, and implementing spacecraft controls systems. You will plan and analyze spacecraft simulations, and specifying/managing attitude knowledge sensor and attitude actuator elements. This role involves developing and validating spacecraft control systems that support mission-critical national security objectives. The ideal candidate has expertise in control theory, spacecraft dynamics, and hands-on experience with control system integration and testing. You will be required to assist in prototyping and operations support as we push innovations at speed for our customers.

You will be part of building a culture that rewards innovation and risk-taking, uses rapid prototyping, is backed by engineering rigor, aggressively works to solve customer problems, drives personal ownership and accountability, and embraces a positive environment of openness and respect. The position requires location in Albuquerque, NM.

Key Responsibilities

• Control System Design: Design and develop control algorithms for spacecraft systems, including attitude control, orbit maintenance, and momentum management.
• System Testing and Validation: Plan and conduct simulations and tests of control systems, ensuring performance meets rigorous operational and environmental requirements.
• Modeling and Simulation: Develop high-fidelity models of spacecraft dynamics and control systems for simulation, performance prediction, and validation of control strategies.
• Flight Software Integration: Collaborate with software teams to integrate control algorithms into flight software, ensuring reliable and robust control under mission conditions.
• Operations Support: Support spacecraft operations by monitoring control system performance, diagnosing issues, and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed design documentation, including system requirements, specifications, and test plans.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, flight software, and hardware teams, to ensure control system alignment with spacecraft requirements.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Identify and resolve issues in control system design, testing, and operation to mitigate risks and ensure mission success.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace engineering, with a focus on spacecraft control systems design, testing, and operations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• National Security Systems Experience: Demonstrated experience working on projects supporting national security or defense.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in control theory, dynamics, and spacecraft systems.
• Experience with control system design tools and software, such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), orbital mechanics, and flight dynamics.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and communicate complex technical information to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on Experience: Experience with on-orbit control system operations, as well as specific national security or defense spacecraft projects.
• Familiarity with Standards and Best Practices: Knowledge of relevant standards and best practices for spacecraft control systems in national security applications.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Familiarity with MBSE practices and tools as they apply to control system design.
• Security Clearance: Active DoD Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and innovation to meet the most pressing needs of our national security customers.
• Small, dynamic, high performing team in a collaborative, inclusive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including flexible time off; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401k with non-elective company matching, stock options.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR.  To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(A)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to hiring@blackve.us.

Announcement Period

Closes 1 April 2025.