[Hiring] Senior Image Processing Engineer @BlackSky

Role Description

BlackSky seeks a Senior Image Processing Engineer to develop unique processing algorithms to enhance the quality and utility of our satellite images. Your primary responsibility will be designing, building, and maintaining the image processing pipeline that transforms raw pixels into image products. Your work will center on developing and supporting new approaches to processing satellite images, most notably:

• Image-to-image registration
• Photogrammetry
• Feature extraction
• Image-quality enhancement

We process a massive quantity of images with low latency requirements, so our processing pipeline is held to a uniquely high standard of accuracy and reliability. The image product is the bedrock of BlackSky’s product offerings, and as a result, your role is fundamentally collaborative across the organization. This position reports to the Director, Image Processing. While we will consider remote candidates, the preference is candidates near the Seattle, WA office.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop tools to monitor and maintain image quality and related metrics.
• Collaborate across the organization to improve our concepts of imaging operations, inform new sensor and satellite designs, and define new imagery products and capabilities.
• Support launch and early operations of new satellites along with regular satellite calibration, commissioning, and operations activities, sometimes requiring after-hours work.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or related engineering fields.
• Minimum five years developing image processing algorithms.
• Minimum five years developing software in Python.
• Minimum three years working with an operational imaging system.
• A strong mathematical base in algorithm development, data processing, and uncertainty propagation.
• A personality that enjoys working in a dynamic, multi-task environment.
• Motivation to self-teach and the ability to thrive on challenging problems.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing geo-registration algorithms.
• Experience developing image-processing and analysis pipelines.
• Experience working with CCD and CMOS sensors.
• Experience working with reflective and/or refractive telescopes.
• Experience in processing satellite or astronomical imagery.
• Experience deploying software into a production environment.
• Experience developing software in C++.

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 (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.

Salary Information

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $145,000-165,000 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity 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.

Compliance Statement

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.