--- title: 'Senior Software Engineer, Design in Test (SDET) at BlackSky' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-design-in-test-sdet-blacksky-tukwila-3zgqa93v0p97' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-20' --- # Senior Software Engineer, Design in Test (SDET) at BlackSky - **Company:** BlackSky - **Location:** Tukwila, WA - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-10-19 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-20 - **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/blacksky/jobs/8868655002?gh_jid=8868655002 ## Job description Senior Software Test Engineer 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 Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is responsible for designing and implementing automated test frameworks, tools, and simulated environments that ensure the reliability and quality of our enterprise software systems. This role is development‑focused and centers on building test harnesses, emulating third‑party systems and network conditions, and creating robust automation infrastructure that enables comprehensive in‑house validation. The SDET develops reusable test code, service/API simulators, and scalable Python‑based frameworks that integrate into CI/CD pipelines to deliver consistent and repeatable coverage across complex application workflows. In addition to building automation systems, they analyze system behavior, investigate failures, collaborate closely with developers, and validate fixes to drive overall product stability and release confidence. The preferred location is Tukwila, WA with the ability to work in the Tukwila office 1-2 days a week but we may be open to strong remote candidates. Responsibilities: - Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and tools using Python, enabling scalable and reliable testing across services, APIs, and UI workflows. - Build Python or Go based simulators, mocks, and emulators to replicate third‑party environments, network behavior, and integration scenarios for in‑house testing. - Develop, maintain, and execute automated API test suites using Python Requests, custom harnesses, and Postman/Newman when appropriate. - Build and maintain automated UI test suites using Python Playwright, with a focus on reusable components, selectors, and page‑object patterns. - Monitor nightly automated test runs, analyze failures, and provide actionable insights through integrations with Jira/X‑Ray, Slack, and CI/CD pipelines. - Troubleshoot and diagnose issues across APIs, backend services, and UI workflows, collaborating with developers to isolate root causes and verify fixes. - Perform targeted manual testing for new feature development, complex regression scenarios, and defect reproduction where automation is not yet feasible. - Validate functional behavior, edge cases, and system workflows across distributed application components. - Document test frameworks, automation patterns, test cases, expected outcomes, and reproduction steps for defects. - Support and improve internal Python‑based test applications, tools, and services used in daily verification workflows. - Ensure adequate test coverage for new features, releases, and high‑risk areas. - Contribute to continuous improvement of automation tooling, coding standards, and test strategy. - Assist in ensuring readiness of builds for deployment and release. - Other job-related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: - Minimum of years of six (6) years of experience as a Software Test Engineer, Automation Engineer, or SDET, with significant hands‑on software development responsibilities. - Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study (or equivalent additional experience of four years). - Strong proficiency in Python, including writing reusable modules, building automation frameworks, and creating test harnesses or tools. - Experience developing automated API tests using Python Requests or equivalent frameworks; experience with Postman/Newman preferred. - Experience designing and maintaining automated UI tests (Python Playwright preferred), with emphasis on code structure and maintainability. - Experience building Python‑based utilities, simulators, mocks, or environment emulators to support complex test scenarios. - Familiarity with reporting test results and integrating automation with Jira/XRay, Slack, or similar tools. - Strong ability to analyze automated test results, identify root causes across services and layers, and validate fixes in collaboration with developers. - Working knowledge of CI-based automated test pipelines, nightly execution workflows, and test orchestration. - Understanding of distributed systems, API-driven architectures, and service interactions. - Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across application layers (API, backend services, UI). - Ability to document test plans, automation approaches, and defect reports with clarity and precision. - Due to program requirements, this position requires US citizenship. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience testing and verifying embedded software - Bonus if experience building or maintaining hardware for embedded software testing - Experience programming in Python - Experience programming in C/C++ - Bonus for ability to debug C/C++ and perform fault analysis - Experience maintaining CI/CD systems, or in maintaining infrastructure as code - Experience with QEMU and device emulation - Experience with buildroot or Yocto Life at BlackSky for full-time US 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 - Mac or PC? Your choice! - Awesome swag The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $145,000-$165,000 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 Seattle, WA. 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. #LI-Hybrid EEO/ 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 ## About BlackSky ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: BlackSky is a real-time, space-based intelligence company that delivers on-demand, high-frequency satellite imagery, analytics, and monitoring of critical global locations, assets, and events. - **Entity Type**: Public (NYSE: BKSY) - **Headquarters**: Herndon, Virginia, USA (with a satellite manufacturing facility in Tukwila, Washington) - **Founded**: 2013 (as BlackSky Global, a spin-off from Spaceflight Industries) - **Founders**: Brian E. Bjelde, Nick Merski, and Jordan Tate ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Earth Observation / Space-based Intelligence / Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) - **Target customers**: B2B, primarily serving government defense and intelligence agencies (US and international), along with commercial enterprises in sectors like maritime, energy, and infrastructure. - **Mission or purpose statement**: To dramatically accelerate Earth observation from space for real-time monitoring. BlackSky enables customers to see, understand, and anticipate change for a decisive strategic advantage. ## Products & Services - **BlackSky Spectra®**: The company’s core software platform. It is a purpose-built, space-based intelligence platform for dynamic monitoring. It integrates tasking, collection, and AI-driven analytics to deliver actionable insights (e.g., object detection, change monitoring) in under 90 minutes on average. *Type*: SaaS / Analytics Platform. - **Satellite Constellation (Gen-2 & Gen-3)**: BlackSky owns and operates a proprietary fleet of high-resolution satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). The Gen-3 constellation, launched in 2025, is designed to be the world’s largest very high-resolution constellation by end of 2026. This provides high-revisit, low-latency tasking and data collection. *Type*: Hardware (Spacecraft) / Data Service. - **BlackSky Assured**: A subscription-based service offering dedicated, prioritized access to satellite tasking and data for persistent monitoring of specific areas of interest. *Type*: Service / Subscription. - **BlackSky On-Demand**: A flexible, worldwide tasking service for ad-hoc intelligence needs. *Type*: Service. - **Third-party Data Integration**: Through Spectra, users can access and analyze data from third-party satellite partners, creating a “virtual constellation.” *Type*: Platform Feature. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market cap is approximately $350–$400 million (as of mid-2026, subject to market fluctuations). *Source*: Public market data. - **Key Metric**: As a public company, annual revenue is reported. For 2025, BlackSky reported revenue of approximately $107 million (a year-over-year increase of 35%). *Source*: BlackSky 2025 Annual Report (SEC 10-K). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Key institutional investors include entities like Neuberger Berman and AWM Investment Company. Strategic partners include government clients (e.g., U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Space Force, international defense ministries) and commercial platform partners. - **Growth Signals**: - **Gen-3 Constellation Deployment**: Rapidly scaling its next-generation satellite fleet, with four Gen-3 satellites already operational. - **International Expansion**: Signed a new eight-figure international contract in March 2026 for “accelerated delivery of Gen-3 sovereign space-based intelligence solution.” - **Revenue Growth**: 35% revenue growth in 2025, demonstrating strong market demand. - **New Contract Wins**: Multiple seven-figure contracts announced in early 2026 for “Assured” services with international defense customers. ## Competitive Advantages - **Vertically Integrated Model**: BlackSky designs, manufactures, and operates its own satellites (in Tukwila, WA) and owns its software platform (Spectra). This end-to-end control allows for rapid iteration, cost optimization, and a tightly integrated hardware-software system. - **Speed & Low Latency**: The company is built on a culture of speed. Its platform delivers imagery and analytics in under 90 minutes on average, a key differentiator for time-sensitive defense and intelligence missions. - **AI-Powered Analytics**: BlackSky Spectra incorporates automated detection and classification models for vessels, aircraft, and vehicles, turning raw imagery into actionable intelligence at scale, freeing human analysts for higher-level tasks. - **First-of-its-Kind Platform**: BlackSky is recognized as the only purpose-built, real-time space-based intelligence platform that seamlessly combines tasking, collection, and analytics. ## Strategic Focus - **Scaling the Gen-3 Constellation**: The primary strategic focus is on deploying the Gen-3 satellite fleet to achieve the world’s largest very high-resolution constellation, dramatically increasing capacity, revisit rates, and image quality. - **Deepening Government & Defense Relationships**: Targeting larger, multi-year contracts with both U.S. and allied international defense and intelligence agencies, particularly for the “Assured” subscription model which provides predictable recurring revenue. - **Expanding Commercial Vertical Markets**: Growing adoption in commercial sectors (e.g., supply chain monitoring, infrastructure security, insurance) by demonstrating the value of time-sensitive, AI-driven intelligence. - **AI & Automation Leadership**: Continuing to invest heavily in AI and machine learning capabilities within Spectra to automate more of the intelligence workflow and maintain a technological edge. ## Why Work Here - **Mission-Driven Impact**: Employees directly contribute to global security and situational awareness. The company states its work provides “global impact” by supporting real-world operations for national security and disaster response. - **Rapid Growth & Professional Development**: As a fast-growing, public company scaling its satellite constellation, BlackSky offers significant opportunities for advancement and responsibility, particularly in engineering, operations, and data science. - **Culture of Speed & Innovation**: The company emphasizes a lean, innovative culture where employees work alongside “bright and passionate people” on cutting-edge space technology challenges. The culture is described as one of tremendous professional growth. - **Work-Life Balance**: Employee testimonials on the careers page specifically highlight “healthy work-life balance” as a key reason they enjoy working at BlackSky. - **Workplace Policy**: The company is headquartered in Herndon, VA, with its satellite manufacturing facility in Tukwila, WA. Many roles (especially engineering) appear to be hybrid or on-site given the nature of the hardware and operations work. The careers page lists roles like Staff Engineer, Constellation Systems; Manager, People & Culture; and UX Designer, suggesting a mix of technical and corporate functions. *Source*: [BlackSky Careers Page](https://blacksky.com/company/careers/). ## Sources 1. [BlackSky Official Website](https://blacksky.com/) 2. [BlackSky Company Page](https://blacksky.com/company/) 3. [BlackSky Technology Page](https://blacksky.com/technology/) 4. [BlackSky Investor Relations](https://ir.blacksky.com/overview/default.aspx) 5. [BlackSky Careers Page](https://blacksky.com/company/careers/) ## Other roles at BlackSky - [Senior Engineer - Embedded/Flight Software](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-engineer-embedded-flight-software-blacksky-seattle-8y254hxzffj9) — Seattle, WA - [Senior Software Engineer, Infrastructure](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-infrastructure-blacksky-tukwila-4p6dw5aqajd9) — Tukwila, WA - [Staff HDL Hardware Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-hdl-hardware-engineer-blacksky-tukwila-0fbka01kvsgp) — Tukwila, WA - [Staff Engineer, Flight Software/Embedded Software](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-engineer-flight-software-embedded-software-blacksky-seattle-ccs1x8y8h4aa) — Seattle, WA - [Cost Controller, Spacecraft](https://feeny.ai/job/cost-controller-spacecraft-blacksky-tukwila-bkeafy79q2m2) — Tukwila, WA - [Senior Structural Analysis Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-structural-analysis-engineer-blacksky-tukwila-z3j6q3sm9wqa) — Tukwila, WA - [Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/assembly-integration-test-ai-t-technician-blacksky-tukwila-daezhj51mcbe) — Tukwila, WA - [Senior Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electrical-engineer-blacksky-tukwila-1f460cvnx8th) — Tukwila, WA - [Senior Engineer, Mission Planning](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-engineer-mission-planning-blacksky-seattle-3dq97bcz95av) — Seattle, WA / Herndon, VA / United States - [Staff Mission Solutions Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-mission-solutions-engineer-blacksky-united-states-seattle-wa-herndon-va-k5zm4683n413) — United States / Seattle, WA / Herndon, VA