Spacecraft Ground Software Lead

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

We are looking for an experienced Spacecraft Ground Systems Lead to drive the development, implementation, and operation of BlackVe’s ground control systems. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end design, deployment, and maintenance of our spacecraft ground control infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and high-performance data processing for our space missions. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including satellite operations, mission planning, and software engineering, to optimize mission-critical systems. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Software Engineering, and is ideal for someone with a strong technical background and experience developing and operating satellite ground systems.

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. This position is based in Albuquerque, NM.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Ground System Development: Design, implement, and optimize BlackVe’s spacecraft ground systems architecture to support satellite control, data processing, visualization, and mission planning.
• Security: Responsible for enforcing security controls to protect BlackVe’s command, control, and telemetry data and to comply with any industry best practices and customer-driven requirements.
• Cloud Deployment: Be familiar with and deploy containerized software and data flow solutions in a cloud environment, such as AWS.
• Systems Integration: Integrate third-party ground system components and ensure seamless interoperability between ground software, network infrastructure, and satellite payloads.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead a team of ground system engineers, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Mission Operations Support: Assist in real-time mission operations, including troubleshooting and resolving issues with ground control systems to maintain continuous connectivity with spacecraft.
• Quality Assurance: Establish best practices, standards, and documentation for ground system operations, with a focus on system reliability, data security, and performance optimization.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Coordinate closely with satellite operations, software engineering, and other teams to align ground system capabilities with mission objectives and timelines.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation in ground system technology by identifying and implementing advanced solutions for data handling, command and control, and network security.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 8+ years in spacecraft ground systems, satellite operations, or a related field.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in ground control software (e.g., GMAT, FreeFlyer, or custom solutions) and familiarity with satellite communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of networking, telemetry, and tracking systems.
• Experience with cloud-based ground systems and familiarity with modern data pipelines and real-time processing.
• Leadership Skills:
• Experience  building and mentoring technical teams.
• Ability to manage cross-functional projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Proactive identification and resolution of technical challenges.
• Track record of delivering complex projects on schedule.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS) are a plus.
• Software Development: Hands-on experience with programming languages like Python and C++ is beneficial.
• Space Mission Experience: Previous experience with space missions, government space agencies, or commercial satellite operators.
• Familiarity with DoD/Government contracting.
• Previous startup or small company experience.
• Capable of obtaining a security clearance.

Location and Travel Requirements

This position is based in Albuquerque, NM, with occasional travel to other company locations or partner facilities as needed.  Highly qualified candidates may be considered for Remote with significant travel to Albuquerque, NM required.

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.