BlackSky
Herndon, Virginia company that operates its own imaging satellites and sells fast-turnaround imagery and analytics, mainly to defense and intelligence customers.
Overview
BlackSky operates a constellation of small Earth-imaging satellites in low Earth orbit and delivers imagery and automated analytics through its Spectra software platform. It was founded in 2013, is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. Its newest Gen-3 satellites, first launched in February 2025, capture 35-centimeter-resolution images. BlackSky builds its own satellites in Tukwila, Washington, after taking full ownership of manufacturer LeoStella in November 2024. Customers include the U.S. Army, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and international defense ministries.
Student Insights
Two coasts, two kinds of work
Tukwila, near Seattle, is where satellites are assembled and tested; recent postings there included assembly, integration and test (AI&T) technicians and engineers, RF engineers, and payload engineers. Herndon and Seattle host software, ground systems, and operations teams.
Mostly experienced hires
When this entry was reviewed, most postings were senior, staff, or principal level and no internship program was listed. The AI&T technician role is the most accessible hardware job for someone early in a career.
Government customers shape hiring
Much of BlackSky's revenue comes from U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, so some positions require U.S. citizenship or the ability to hold a security clearance; check each posting.
AI Outlook
BlackSky's product combines satellite imagery with automated analytics, and it was selected for Phase III of IARPA's SMART program for detecting change in satellite imagery.
- Spectra tasking and analytics platform
- IARPA SMART program (Phase III)
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Gen-3 imaging satellites
- Spectra platform
- NGA Luno A contract
- NRO AROS development
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to BlackSky.