Remote Staff Software Engineer (Data & Machine Learning Operations)

Description:

• BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that operates a space-based intelligence platform providing satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring.
• The company is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to support the development and operation of Spectra AI, their AI/ML platform.
• The role involves ensuring that Spectra AI produces reliable analytics for a growing user base.
• Responsibilities include designing and implementing image and data label processing pipelines, ensuring high-quality Python or GO code, and participating in the entire project lifecycle from requirements development to deployment.
• The engineer will lead MLOps software development projects and collaborate with management and technical teams on the technical roadmap.
• The position is critical to the AI/ML Engineering team and requires collaboration with internal satellite development teams.
• The role is open to candidates in certain remote states, although preference is given to those local to Herndon, VA.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience as a software engineer, with at least three years focused on geospatial imagery.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, statistics, or a related computational field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and building scalable production software solutions, particularly for machine learning or image processing, is essential.
• Strong proficiency in Python3 or GO, with experience in writing production software for data ETL, REST APIs, micro-services, and cloud deployment is necessary.
• Experience with databases, SQL queries, and data model design, especially with PostgreSQL/PostGIS, is required.
• Candidates should have experience integrating with third-party APIs and managing complex data at scale in relational data stores.
• Strong communication skills to convey concepts and software system results to customers and technical teams are essential.
• Hands-on experience with cloud services such as AWS EKS, S3, EC2, and others is required.
• U.S. citizenship is mandatory for this position.

Benefits:

• BlackSky offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, with 100% of employee-only premiums covered and an additional $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses.
• Employees receive 15 days of PTO, 11 company holidays, four floating holidays, one day of paid volunteerism leave, and parental leave.
• A 401(k) plan with pre-tax and Roth deferral options and employer matching is available.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and an Employee Stock Purchase Program are offered.
• Additional benefits include employee assistance programs, travel assistance, employer matching donations, and professional development opportunities.
• Employees can choose between a Mac or PC and receive company swag.