Principal Test Development Engineer

Actalent; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer - Spacecraft to drive automated testing for satellite programs from design through production. You will lead test plans, automation, and GSE, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, high-rate production.

The role requires extensive spacecraft I&T experience, hands-on test procedures, and proficiency in Python scripting, with a hybrid office presence in Tukwila, WA.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in spacecraft integration and test or similar hardware test environments.
• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience leading multiple spacecraft/test campaigns.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft system test procedures, automation and execution.

Responsibilities

• Transition satellite tests from engineer-driven to routine automated processes.
• Lead end-to-end satellite qualification and acceptance test plans.
• Develop production test strategies, plans, procedures, automation, and GSE.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Production AI&T, and subsystem teams.
• Ensure reliable, high-rate satellite production.
• Mature early test approaches into production-ready systems.

Skills

Spacecraft I&T leadership

Test automation

Scripting & Python

Test procedures & NASA/DoD standards

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership of campaigns

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Job description

Job Title: Principal Test Development Engineer - Spacecraft

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.
• Bachelors 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.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $230000.00/yr.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance We pay 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

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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 [e-mail] 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.