Senior EO Payload Engineer — Space Imaging & Test Leader

Blacksky Holdings LLC; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) and Roth deferral options

Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

BlackSky is seeking a Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer to architect, design, and test EO payloads for satellites. You will influence payload concepts, develop integration and test strategies, and support on-orbit commissioning with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes testing and satellite integration near Tukwila, WA, with hybrid work and proximity to production. Candidates should have extensive experience with optical systems and spaceborne sensors.

Qualifications

• Requires 10+ years in imaging optical systems testing or similar.
• Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics or equivalent.
• Hands-on lab experience with optical metrology equipment.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language for technical computing.
• Strong understanding of optical image formation and detector behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration and test strategies for EO payloads.
• Design and maintain optical test facilities and GSE.
• Test payloads and assist production in satellite integration.
• Coordinate with engineering, PM, and production for end-to-end validation.
• Define requirements for test infrastructure and support new payload concepts.
• Simulate sensor performance to inform R&D and strategy.
• Support orbital imaging system characterization and commissioning.
• Evaluate on-orbit performance vs ground predictions.

Skills

Python

Numerical computing

Education

Bachelors in optical engineering or physics

Tools

Interferometers

Theodolite/laser tracker

Job description

BlackSky is seeking a Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer to architect, design, and test EO payloads for satellites. You will influence payload concepts, develop integration and test strategies, and support on-orbit commissioning with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes testing and satellite integration near Tukwila, WA, with hybrid work and proximity to production. Candidates should have extensive experience with optical systems and spaceborne sensors.