Principal Engineer, Spacecraft Test Development

Principal Engineer, Spacecraft Test Development

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets, and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

The Satellite Test Development Engineer responsible for transitioning satellite tests from engineer-driven ‘new product’ tests to routine, highly automated, efficient test processes that ensure every satellite off the production line is repeatably and robustly tested before shipping and launch.  This role leads the development of end-to-end satellite qualification and acceptance test plans, then develops production test strategies, plans, procedures, automation, and supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in preparation for handoff to a Production AI&T team to execute.  The position works cross-functionally with Systems Engineering, Production AI&T, and all spacecraft subsystem teams (EPS, ADCS, Communications, C&DH, Flight Software, etc.) to meld  verification requirements with real-world system performance variability and constraints into robust, executable test campaigns that minimize test-to-test variability and risk for human error.

This role is critical to enabling reliable and repeatable high-rate satellite production. The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on experience from multiple spacecraft build and test campaigns and applies strong engineering judgment to develop test systems that minimize risk while maintaining efficiency. They are responsible for transforming early, engineering-driven test approaches into mature, production-ready systems that reduce operator variability, limit reliance on subject matter experts, and ensure consistent, high-confidence outcomes across every vehicle. This position is on-site in our Tukwila, WA office and reports to the VP, Spacecraft Engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Own the transition of test campaigns from engineering development to production-ready execution.
• Architect subsystem and spacecraft-level qualification and acceptance test campaigns across all subsystems.
• Plan, manage, and task cross-functional team members supporting test development.
• Translate system verification requirements into efficient, executable, and scalable test plans.
• Lead cross-func