Principal Engineer, Spacecraft Test Development

BlackSky • Tukwila, WA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Satellite Test Development Engineer is 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in spacecraft integration and test, development, or similar hardware test environments.
• Direct experience leading multiple spacecraft or launch vehicle build and test campaigns.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft system test procedures, automation, and execution.
• Hands on experience with scripting / coding to automate satellite testing.
• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft AIT principles, including test-as-you-fly, NASA and DoD standards, and build verification strategies.
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional efforts and deliver results in fast-paced, schedule-critical environments.
• Reputation for strong engineering judgment, ownership, and a bias for action in ambiguous or evolving environments.

Nice To Haves

• Background in high-rate production environments or programs with repeated test execution.
• Extensive experience with spacecraft Ground Support Equipment (GSE) design, build, and validation.
• Experience developing and validating test automation and data processing code in Python.
• Experience in introducing test campaigns for new products, and maturing them over time.
• Experience and comfort with using tools such as DOORS or Jama for requirement and verification tracking.

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 development of test plans, procedures, scripts, and automation frameworks to enable repeatable, low-variance execution.
• Define requirements for and oversee the design and build of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and other test infrastructure.
• Ensure test approaches incorporate best practices for safety, robustness, and error-proofing.
• Establish standards for procedure maturity, validation, and readiness, including appropriate levels of dry runs, checkout, and automation.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering inputs to ensure test readiness and maintain execution schedules during new product test campaigns.
• Identify and eliminate sources of inefficiency, variability, and risk in test campaigns.
• Apply lessons learned and prior experience to proactively prevent known failure modes and test escapes.
• Other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
• 15 days of PTO
• 11 Company holidays
• four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date)
• one day of paid volunteerism leave per year
• parental leave
• 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
• Employer matching donations
• Professional development
• Awesome swag

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal