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Principal Systems Engineer (Part Time)

Colorado Springs

About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we've become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact.

We're engineers, problem-solvers, and builders who take the mission seriously, but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable, question the status quo, and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether we're supporting space, defense systems, or healthcare advancements, we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions, security by design, and relentless simplicity.

Our name? "Blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack). It's who we are, mission-aligned technologists building platforms that protect the world’s most valuable data.

Recognized Excellence We've earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and consistently rank among Colorado's Best Workplaces. But what we're most proud of? The systems we build, the teams we develop, and the mission outcomes we enable.

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.

Salary Range (CO)

$137,500 - $143,750 USD

Clearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.

Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com.

Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.

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