Principal Mechanical Engineer - Payloads
BlackSky· enterprise· Defense & Space· Jul 6, 2026 · 4mo agoPosted 113 days ago
Tukwila, WA
Hybrid
Full-time
Principal
$136K–$213K est.
12+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 6, 2026 — 113 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Payloads
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.
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer on our Optical Payload team at BlackSky you will support the development and integration of our satellite optical payloads, from concept to production, as both a technical leader and individual contributor. You will ensure the payloads developed by our partners meet the demands of our space systems by establishing requirements; collaborating and co-engineering with internal and external parties; evaluating payload design artifacts and test results; and addressing production issues. You will ensure our spacecraft bus structures and systems integrate harmoniously with the payload to meet exacting structural and thermal requirements of our mission. You will develop initial concepts of satellite structures, system layouts, and support equipment based on requirements and objectives, then apply BlackSky best practices, mentorship from senior engineers, and your own skills and intuition to fully mature those concepts. You will interact with flight, prototype, and ground support hardware. You will do all this as part of a highly skilled multi-functional technical team focused on producing state-of-the-art satellites.
This position reports to the Director, Mechanical Engineering and is a hybrid role based out of our Tukwila, WA office.
Responsibilities:
Ensure that payloads developed by our partners meet the stringent mechanical requirements of our missions through active engagement and collaboration with internal and external parties throughout the program lifecycle.
Lead the mechanical design and integration of payloads into our satellite structures, applying experience and engineering judgement to develop technical plans for your work and others that considers the full program scope and addresses requirements, risks, and schedule.
Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver space vehicle designs, production plans, and test strategies that support program cost, schedule, and quality goals.
Design spacecraft mechanical structures, assemblies, and components with CAD software (Creo)
Generate and maintain engineering and manufacturing documentation such as part drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials.
Document design and analysis data in technical reports, presentations, and manufacturing systems.
Apply engineering judgment to make informed decisions when data is incomplete, balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule.
Support manufacturing and production teams by providing design intent, resolving build issues, reviewing nonconformance reports, and implementing corrective actions.
Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment as needed to support integration and test activities.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
12+ years of professional experience in a mechanical engineering role
Demonstrable experience working in the satellite or launch industry maturing designs from initial concepts to detailed manufacturing drawings
Experience working on the mechanical design of optical systems
Familiarity with typical design requirements for space systems
Experience leading small to moderate scale efforts with cross-functional teams
Experience using CAD software to develop part and assembly models, and manufacturing drawings
Working knowledge of the ANSI Y14.5 dimensioning and tolerance specification
Must be a US Person
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with PTC Creo and Windchill software.
Experience with structural analysis and test
Experience with thermal analysis and test
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
Awesome swag
The anticipated salary range for candidates in the Great Seattle Area, WA is 175,000 - 200,000 per year. 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 the Great Seattle Area.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity 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.
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/ Pay Transparency Statements:
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Parental Leave
Professional Development