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Blue Sky Innovators

Provides DoD/IC AI, cybersecurity, systems integration

Guidance, Navigation and Control - Technical SETA

Part-Time
$70 - $120/hr
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Arlington County, Arlington, VA, USA
In PersonOn-site at the Arlington client site; travel up to 25%.
Aerospace EngineeringFlight Dynamics & GNC
No H1B Sponsorship
US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or computer engineering, or a related field, with at least 12 years of professional experience.
  • At least 5 years of experience developing guidance, navigation and control, flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems for aerospace vehicles as an individual contributor, project lead, or chief engineer.
  • Experience in a Department of War research and development organization (such as DARPA, SCO, AFRL, or JHTO), an acquisition organization (such as PAE Fires, SSP, or AFLMC), and/or as a performer in industry, an FFRDC, or a UARC supporting such organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communicating complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Active Secret security clearance.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical support and independent assessments to the Government Program Manager.
  • Assist in identifying, developing, and evaluating new program concepts and technology initiatives.
  • Lead technical interchange meetings, integrated product teams, and design reviews.
  • Support program experimentation and test activities, including developing test plans and coordinating with performers, government stakeholders, test ranges, and test facilities.
  • Evaluate technical progress, risks, and program execution across multiple performers and development efforts.
  • Author technical reports, program briefings, memoranda, and decision-support materials.
  • Support transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other transition partners.
  • Provide day-to-day program support, including participating in performer calls, major reviews, internal DARPA meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
Desired Qualifications
  • A doctorate in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or computer engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms.
  • Familiarity with high-level Department of War programming, requirements, science and technology, and acquisition processes.
  • Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI access.

About the company

Blue Sky Innovators provides advanced technology and operational support to DoD and Intelligence Community clients, offering AI/ML data analysis, cybersecurity, and systems integration, along with internal R&D to turn new technologies into usable capabilities. It delivers professional services, SETA and acquisition support, and program control to solve complex defense challenges and advance operational capabilities. The company differentiates itself with a defense-led leadership team, a workforce rich in military veterans and TS/SCI clearance, and significant in-house R&D that supports DARPA, the Navy, and other defense programs. Its goal is to deliver practical, field-ready technologies and specialized support that help DoD and IC programs succeed by turning research into deployed solutions.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Reston, Virginia

Founded

N/A

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • LinkedIn shows 51-200 employees in 2026, signaling ongoing demand and scaling.
  • Blue Sky Innovators won the 2026 AI Summit Best Technology award for SkyEye.
  • A March 2026 Air Force delivery order added $4.5 million through March 2027.

What critics are saying

  • Blue Sky Innovators depends on DoD and Space Force contract timing, not recurring software revenue.
  • BSI’s $74,996.41 SpaceWERX award is tiny versus sustainment needs and hiring costs.
  • A failed Phase II for SKYWAVE would leave IRAD sunk and differentiation weakened.

What makes Blue Sky Innovators unique

  • Blue Sky Innovators won SpaceWERX SBIR Phase I for SKYWAVE in July 2026.
  • SKYWAVE combines proprietary RFML with RF fingerprinting for space-domain awareness.
  • BSI landed MDA SHIELD IDIQ access in December 2025, spanning 10 years.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Remote Work Options
  • Paid Vacation
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Wellness Program
  • Mental Health Support
  • Telephone/Internet stipend
  • Phone/Internet Stipend
  • Home Office Stipend
  • Conference Attendance Budget
  • Professional Development Budget