Principal Test Development Engineer

Job Title: Principal Test Development Engineer

Job Description

We are at the forefront of space-based intelligence, providing satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring to address global strategic, economic, and security challenges. Our team is committed to delivering critical insights to our clients, enabling them to act swiftly and strategically. We pride ourselves on a people-first, customer-focused, and fun work environment.

Responsibilities

• Transition satellite tests from engineer-driven ‘new product’ tests to routine, automated, efficient test processes.
• Lead the development of end-to-end satellite qualification and acceptance test plans.
• Develop production test strategies, plans, procedures, automation, and supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Systems Engineering, Production AI&T, and spacecraft subsystem teams.
• Ensure reliable and repeatable high-rate satellite production.
• Transform early, engineering-driven test approaches into mature, production-ready systems.

Required Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in spacecraft integration and test, development, or similar hardware test environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading multiple spacecraft or launch vehicle build and test campaigns.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft system test procedures, automation, and execution.
• Proficiency in scripting/coding for automating satellite testing.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft AIT principles, including test-as-you-fly, NASA and DoD standards.
• Experience with ground support equipment and Python.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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.
• Comfort with using tools for requirement and verification tracking.

Work Environment

This position is based in our Tukwila, WA office, where you will work in an office environment. The role involves collaboration with a global team, utilizing cutting-edge technology to make a worldwide impact.

This is a Permanent position based out of Tukwila, WA.

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $230000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Awesome swag

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $170,000 - $230,000