Principal Systems Engineer - Space Operations and Strategic Planning
Part-Time  | Up to 25 hrs/week

The Mission

Bluestaq builds enterprise software and data infrastructure for the most consequential missions on earth and in space. This role sits at the center of one of the most operationally relevant space programs running today - and it's for someone who already knows why that matters.

This role supports Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) - a global USSF activity integrating commercial space capabilities to protect and defend the space domain alongside U.S. and allied partners.

What You'll Do

• Integrate commercial space capabilities into combatant command operational plans and orders, working across US Space Force component organizations and key mission partners
• Provide joint planning support across space domain awareness, tactical response, and electromagnetic spectrum operations missions
• Support integration of space capabilities into international and allied planning efforts, including cooperative commercial picture development
• Assess operational readiness and mission effectiveness against specified plan objectives and tasks
• Work location: Bluestaq office, customer facility, or hybrid depending on program requirements
• This is a part-time W-2 position; standard Bluestaq part-time employment terms apply

What You Bring

• 20+ years of experience in military operations, space systems, or joint planning environments - Air Force background strongly preferred; Weapons Officer designation a plus
• Experience as a joint planning instructor or equivalent, with demonstrated ability to translate complex operational concepts across technical and non-technical audiences
• Consulting or advisory experience supporting space defense programs, commercial integration, or SDA missions
• Graduate degree in Space Studies, Strategic Studies, or a related discipline (Master's level or above)
• Track record working across CCMDs, Component Field Commands, or NSDC-level organizations
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships from working-level engineers to senior executives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - you can brief a PEO and a software engineer in the same afternoon
• Judgment and composure in high-pressure, ambiguous situations; you build structure where none exists and hold the quality bar even when the schedule is trying to lower it
• Comfortable holding ground with customers and leadership alike - clear, confident, and credible
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is required
• Based in or willing to relocate to Colorado Springs, CO

Highly Valued

• Direct experience with JCO, NSDC, or commercial SDA integration programs
• Experience with DoD/IC customers and government contracting environments
• Familiarity with USSF commercial integration frameworks and allied partner planning
• Track record building long-term customer relationships, not just delivering on contracts

How We Measure Success

Delivered value and customer impact. Not tasks completed or hours logged. You understand what the customer is trying to accomplish, and you work toward that - not the statement of work.

Who Thrives Here

You've spent years in rooms where the stakes were real. You know how plans get made, where they break, and what it takes to bridge commercial capability into operational use. Ownership is expected. Pace is real. If you need handholding, this probably isn't your place.

Benefits include: [401k with employer contribution / medical / dental / vision / PTO]. This is a part-time position; some benefits are prorated or limited. Full details provided during the offer process.