BlackSky - Principal Engineer, Spacecraft Test Development
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. • 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. • Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits-eligible employees includes: • Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits-eligible employees includes • 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 and more • 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 • The anticipated salary range for Principal level candidates in Tukwila, WA is $200,000-$230,000 per year. We may be open to more junior candidates (at the Staff level) with a salary range of $170,000-$195,000. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Tukwila, WA.
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. • Other job-related responsibilities as assigned.
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