Hub Systems Engineer

Wanna join the adventure?

Loft Orbital builds space infrastructure based on “shareable” satellites, providing a fast & simple path to orbit for organizations that require access to space. Powered by our hardware & software products, we operate satellites using different buses, fly various customer payloads , and handle entire missions from end to end - significantly reducing the lead-time and risk of a traditional space mission.

The Hub Systems Engineer works in the Product Systems Engineering team, which is responsible for designing the Space Infrastructure that allows Loft to connect our internal and customer payloads to the satellite bus and to the ground system. Our scope of work covers mechanical, electrical, embedded systems and core software topics. The depth goes from externally sourced to fully vertically integrated in-house development and validation.

You will play a critical role in defining and advancing Loft Orbital’s system engineering and software capabilities for the Hub. This position focuses on ensuring that modular components are designed, and integrated to deliver a cohesive and scalable system. You will collaborate across teams to derive system-level definitions, refine specifications, and bridge the gap between high-level architecture and detailed implementation. By aligning hardware and software efforts, you will empower Loft Orbital’s mission to deliver reusable, scalable solutions for satellite systems.

*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.

• Define and own the integrated-level system design for the Hub, ensuring alignment with high-level vision and architectural goals.
• Translate high-level concepts into actionable technical specifications for modular subsystems.
• Lead and coordinate requirements and traceability, future proofing, CONOPs, ICDs, trade studies, risk, and design reviews
• Partner with hardware and software engineering teams to ensure seamless interfaces and integration between components.
• Collaborate with Product Management to refine product boundaries and technical direction.
• Provide guidance on key technical decisions to ensure team alignment
• Resolve complex technical challenges related to Hub systems.
• Act as a technical authority bridging software and hardware capabilities for the Hub
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system designs and interfaces (ICD, IRD, CONOPs)

• Strong background in systems engineering with experience in software and hardware interactions
• Proficiency in software architecture, networking protocols, embedded systems, and integration strategies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts and align diverse teams toward a common goal.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical topics into actionable steps.
• Experience in designing modular systems with standardized interfaces for power, data, mechanical, and thermal connections.
• Familiarity with satellite communication protocols (RF and/or optical links)
• Familiarity in onboard data processing techniques and cloud-based ground segment software for mission operations.

• Experience with modular system design and integration (e.g., "building block" approach).
• Experience developing reusable, scalable products in a technical leadership role.
• Understanding of aerospace standards and best practices.
• International experience

• Equity, we want you to have an active role in our success
• Up to 35 days of Paid Time Off (vacations & RTT) and flexible working hours, we want you to be at your best
• Health and life insurance, we care about your health
• Lunch Vouchers, because let’s be honest, we love food! (we even have a slack channel about it #loft-gourmand)
• Cross-office travel opportunities between San Francisco, Colorado, and Toulouse to learn from our differences
• Company and team off-sites and many other events to work & celebrate together
• Relocation assistance to Toulouse when applicable

Who We Are

Loft Orbital builds “shareable” satellites, providing a fast & simple path to orbit for organizations that require access to space. Powered by our hardware & software products, we operate satellites, fly customer payloads onboard, and handle entire missions from end to end - significantly reducing the lead-time and risk of a traditional space mission.

Our standard interface enables us to fly multiple customer payloads on the same satellite, with capabilities such as earth imagery, weather & climate /science data collection, IoT connectivity, in-orbit demonstrations, and national security missions. Our customers trust us to manage their space infrastructure, so they can focus on what matters most to them: operating their mission and collecting their data.

At Loft, you’ll be given the autonomy and ownership to solve significant challenges, but with a close-knit and supportive team at your back. We believe that diversity and community are the foundation of an open culture. We are committed to hiring the best people regardless of background and make their time at Loft the most fulfilling period of their career.

We value kind, supportive and team-oriented collaborators. It is also crucial for us that you are a problem solver and a great communicator. As our team is international, you will need strong English skills to better collaborate, easily communicate complex ideas and convey important messages.

With 5 satellites on-orbit and a wave of exciting missions launching soon, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France.

As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.