Sr AI&T Engineer (Automation)

BlackSky; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

BlackSky seeks an Sr Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Engineer, Automation in Tukwila, WA. The role focuses on automating test procedures, supporting production, and collaborating with software and hardware teams. Office-based, five days a week, with opportunities to travel.

The candidate will develop Python scripts, validate equipment, and document procedures while upholding aerospace quality standards and ITAR compliance.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Person and able to travel domestically and internationally.
• BS or higher in Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 6 years in a production environment.
• Strong experience in Python and Bash; proficiency in debugging/testing methodologies.
• Excellent collaborative skills within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience with Git and software version control.

Responsibilities

• Execute assembly, integration, and testing of automated equipment and production systems for satellite manufacturing.
• Develop, modify, and maintain Python scripts for automation and data collection.
• Support integration, commissioning, and validation of automated test equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, and interfaces to minimize downtime.
• Perform software updates and automation improvements in manufacturing.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and test procedures.

Skills

Python

Bash

Debugging

Git

Production experience

Travel willingness

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

Jira

AWS

Linux

Job description

Sr Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Engineer, Automation

About Us: BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people‑first, customer‑focused and fun.

The Sr AI&T Engineer, Automation will be responsible for automating test procedures and supporting troubleshooting efforts during production. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional individual contributor who enjoys working closely with software and hardware. They should be highly organized, and enjoy both the creation and documentation of code. A good candidate for this role will enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment and will have an opportunity to collaborate with engineers from multiple disciplines. Must be open and receptive to feedback that will be used to improve the testing and production process. This position reports to the Director of Production and is based out of our Tukwila, WA office. This is onsite position expected to be in the office five days a week.

Responsibilities

• Execute assembly, integration, and testing of automated equipment and production systems supporting satellite manufacturing.
• Develop, modify, and maintain Python scripts used to automate manufacturing, test, and data collection process.
• Support the integration, commissioning, and validation of automated test equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, and communication interfaces to resolve production issues and minimize downtime.
• Execute software updates and automation improvements in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, test procedures, and automation scripts.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, ESD, FOD, configuration management, and cleanroom procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing automation, reducing manual operations, and improving production throughput.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Person.
• Due to government regulation of the space industry, this requirement cannot be waived.
• A Bachelor of Science or higher in Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a production environment.
• Strong experience in Python and Bash.
• Experience with debugging and testing methodologies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and belief in a strong collaborative approach within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Unwavering attention to detail and ability to succeed in a hands‑on environment with valuable hardware assets.
• Experience with software version control management tools such as Git.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support launch campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high reliability, safety critical, or regulated environments.
• Experience with software scheduling and tasking tools (e.g. Jira).
• Knowledgeable in the use of AWS.
• Experience with Linux systems.
• Experience with integrating open-source software with internal development.
• Capability to use electrical measurement equipment i.e.: function generators, oscilloscopes.

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefiteligible 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 Mac or PC? Your choice! Awesome swag

Pay Range

• The anticipated salary range for Senior level candidates in Tukwila, WA is $140,000 - $160,000 per year.
• We may be open to more junior candidates (at the intermediate level) with a salary range of $125,000 - $145,000.
• The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education.

Location

Location: Tukwila, WA. This is onsite position expected to be in the office 5 days a week.

Equal Opportunity

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf