Principal Systems Engineer, Satellites

About Loft

Loft Federal is dedicated to providing the US national security space community with a rapid, affordable, and simplified pathway to orbit for any small satellite mission. We are a US-incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Loft Orbital Solutions, Inc.

At Loft, we empower our team members with autonomy and ownership to tackle significant challenges, all while fostering a close-knit and supportive team environment. We believe that diversity, community, and inclusivity are the cornerstones of an open culture. We place significant value on kind, supportive, and team-oriented comrades with phenomenal problem-solving and communication skills.

Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? As a Principal Satellite System Engineer, you'll embark on a dynamic journey, working on multiple satellite missions simultaneously, each boasting a unique multi-payload configuration. Your role will transcend boundaries as you collaborate seamlessly across various teams, including satellite operation software, payload interface software, mission engineering, and AIT.

In this role, you'll not only contribute to the success of our satellite missions but also have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and dynamic team, fostering innovation and driving impactful solutions in the ever-evolving space industry.

ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with other teams and our customers to meticulously develop and maintain technical budgets, ensuring optimal for spacecraft performance.Engage closely with internal teams and customers to craft and manage system requirements and verification techniques, ensuring alignment with project objectives.Play a pivotal role in shaping mission CONOPS, fostering the development of Service Level Agreements with Loft's esteemed customers.Provide invaluable support in program management and product management, serving as a liaison with customers on programmatic and schedule matters, ensuring smooth project execution.Lead the development of interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other critical design documents, in collaboration with team members, driving project success.Extend your expertise to support test procedures and actively participate in the integration and test campaigns at our spacecraft manufacturer's site, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards.

RequirementsThe ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance is required. Because this position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.Additionally, an active DoD Secret clearance is required, with the capability to obtain Top Secret clearance. Active Top Secret clearance, particularly with recent experience within the last 2 years, or active involvement in Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) programs, is strongly desired.Preference will be given to candidates with 1) a DoD or Intelligence Community Top Secret background investigation with at least 3 years of eligibility remaining or CE status; and SCI eligibility with current experience in SCI programs, other control systems, and/or Special Access Programs, or 2) a current in-scope DoD SECRET background investigation with at least 3 years of eligibility remaining, or Continuous Evaluation (CE) status, along with willingness and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Experience and QualificationsYou enjoy being the face of the technical requirements and working with a team to deliver quality hardware.You pioneer innovation in aerospace by reshaping conventional practices in implementing and executing on System Engineering functions.You can demonstrate experience as a technical specialist, with a proven track record in specific spacecraft subsystems, coupled with comprehensive system-level experience encompassing Thermal, Structural, ADCS, RF Link, and more.You can showcase your hands-on experience in small satellite assembly, integration, and test campaigns, underscoring your proficiency at every stage of the process.You thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment, where your ability to adapt and excel under pressure sets you apart.Prior experience delivering a spacecraft to orbit and/or space-qualified hardware to a customer.You have 5+ years of experience as a systems engineer or similar in the space industry.Preferred: Experience on RF and/or Electrical subsystems.Preferred: Proficient with STK.Plus: Experience with thermal analysis.

Our BenefitsHealth Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a 100% company-paid option for employees and their dependents; Tax Deferred Programs, such as Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts, with an employer contribution to the HSA; 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Fertility Planning and Care Assistance through Carrot Fertility, which provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial supportFinancial Benefits: 401(k); Equity; Employee Referral Program; Relocation assistance, if applicablePaid Leave: Flexible Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement); 12 Paid Holidays; Fully-paid Parental Leave (14 weeks for birthing parents; 10 weeks for non-birthing parents); Working Parents SupportOther Perks: Daily catered lunches and snacks; International exposure to our team in France; Company off-sites, and many social events and celebrations

$150,000 - $205,000 a yearPer Colorado law, we are required to disclose the base compensation range for this role. This range is intentionally wide as we assess individuals based on their unique abilities and experience to find the best fit for our needs. Ultimately, your compensation will be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, you will find a truly remarkable culture guided by transparency and collaboration and work that is challenging and meaningful. We can't wait to meet you and see what you may add to our team!We are an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t ‘check all the boxes'.