Staff Mechanical Engineer – Payloads

Join BlackSky as a Staff Mechanical Engineer - Payloads at our Tukwila, King County facility, leading the mechanical design and engineering of advanced satellite payloads that power global real-time intelligence. This is a full-time position where you'll architect payload systems that enable customers worldwide to monitor strategic locations, economic assets, and critical events from space.

About the Role

As Staff Mechanical Engineer - Payloads at BlackSky, you'll own the mechanical engineering vision for next-generation satellite payload development. Working within our real-time intelligence platform, you'll design, analyze, and optimize payload systems that must perform reliably in the harsh environment of space while delivering the imaging and sensing capabilities that define our competitive advantage. This is a leadership role where your technical expertise directly influences product roadmap and engineering strategy.

What You'll Do

• Lead mechanical design and development of satellite payload systems, from concept through flight qualification
• Perform structural and thermal analysis to ensure payload reliability, performance, and mission success
• Drive engineering trade studies and design optimization to meet payload performance, mass, power, and cost requirements
• Collaborate with systems engineers, electrical engineers, and program teams to integrate payloads into complete satellite platforms
• Establish and mentor mechanical engineering standards, best practices, and design methodologies across payload teams
• Coordinate with manufacturing, test, and mission operations teams to ensure producible, testable payload designs
• Support payload testing, qualification campaigns, and on-orbit performance validation

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with 5+ years in satellite, spacecraft, or aerospace payload design
• Deep expertise in structural analysis, thermal design, and mechanical systems integration for space applications
• Proven experience leading payload or subsystem development programs from design through flight
• Mastery of mechanical CAD, FEA software, and analysis tools; experience with space qualification standards (MIL-STD, NASA, industry)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive sound technical decisions in fast-moving program environments
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to mentor and influence cross-functional teams
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; advanced degree preferred

About BlackSky

BlackSky operates the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform, delivering real-time satellite imagery, automated analytics, and continuous monitoring services to allied governments and critical infrastructure operators globally. Our constellation-based approach and AI-driven insights set the standard for actionable space intelligence.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.