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Loft Federal

Mission-as-a-service smallsat launch and management

Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$136k - $175k+ Equity options
Senior
Arvada, CO, USA
In Person
Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft & Launch Vehicle Systems
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • An active Department of Defense Secret clearance is required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
  • Experience as a technical specialist on specific spacecraft subsystems as well as at the system level, such as thermal, structural, attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), or radio-frequency (RF) links.
  • Demonstrated experience in small-satellite assembly, integration, and test campaigns.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Prior experience delivering a spacecraft to orbit and/or space-qualified hardware to a customer.
  • Ability to work as the technical point of contact for requirements and collaborate with a team to deliver hardware.
  • Willingness to challenge conventional approaches to implementing and executing systems-engineering functions.
Responsibilities
  • Work on multiple satellite missions simultaneously, each with a unique, multi-payload configuration.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with satellite operations software, payload interface software, mission engineering, and assembly, integration, and test teams.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and customers to develop and manage technical budgets, system requirements, and verification approaches.
  • Help shape and evolve mission concepts of operations and support customer service-level agreements.
  • Contribute to program and product management, including working directly with customers on programmatic and schedule matters.
  • Develop interface specifications, concepts of operations, and other key design documentation with teammates.
  • Support test procedures and participate in spacecraft integration and test campaigns at the manufacturer’s facility.
Desired Qualifications
  • A current in-scope Department of Defense Secret background investigation with at least three years of eligibility remaining, or Continuous Evaluation status, and willingness and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
  • A Department of Defense or Intelligence Community Top Secret background investigation with at least three years of eligibility remaining, or Continuous Evaluation status; and SCI eligibility with current experience in SCI programs, other control systems, and/or Special Access Programs.
  • Five years of experience as a systems engineer or similar in the space industry.
  • Experience with radio-frequency and/or electrical subsystems.
  • Proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK).
  • Experience with thermal or structural analysis.

About the company

Loft Federal provides mission-as-a-service for small satellite missions to the U.S. national security space community. It handles the entire process of getting a payload to orbit, offering regularly scheduled missions so clients can focus on their data rather than the launch. The company uses pre-procured satellite buses and proprietary plug-and-play software and hardware to quickly integrate and launch payloads, delivering missions in months instead of years. This makes Loft Federal different from competitors by targeting government payloads with a turnkey, cost-effective, and predictable path to space, backed by a streamlined operations model rather than standalone launch services. The overall goal is to give government and defense organizations reliable, timely access to space for their data-gathering payloads.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Golden, Colorado

Founded

2022

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The August 20, 2026 Arvada opening supports 100 employees and signals demand growth.
  • Initial cleanroom capabilities arrive in October 2026, enabling faster payload integration and customer onboarding.
  • Loft Federal won the Space Force STEP 2.0 vehicle in May 2025, extending program visibility through 2035.

What critics are saying

  • Firefly, Rocket Lab, and others are packaging launch-plus-payload services, squeezing Loft Federal margins by 2028.
  • Loft Federal still depends on Loft Orbital execution, so any launch slip hits government credibility immediately.
  • If SDA and Space Force awards slow after 2026, Loft Federal’s classified-facility expansion becomes stranded capacity.

What makes Loft Federal unique

  • Loft Federal’s Candelas facility gives secure, classified-ready integration space in Arvada, Colorado.
  • Its mission-as-a-service model bundles payload integration, software, launch, and operations for government customers.
  • Loft Orbital booked $500M lifetime revenue and launched Loft Federal into classified programs by 2025.

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Benefits

  • Performance Bonus
  • Company Equity

Company News

Jeffco Business District
Aug 20th, 2026
Loft Federal opens major ops facility in Arvada.

Loft Federal opens major ops facility in Arvada. Gen AI | August 20, 2026 | Loft Federal has opened a new 60,000-square-foot operations and integration facility in Arvada, a notable investment inside Jefferson County that adds high-value aerospace and government-contracting activity to the local economy. The new site is expected to support up to 100 employees, contractors and mission partners, making it relevant for area businesses that serve growing technology, advanced manufacturing and professional services needs. Why this is relevant to businesses in Jefferson County: * The facility is located in Arvada, directly within Jefferson County, making it a local business expansion with potential spillover for suppliers, service providers and commercial real estate. * Loft Federal said the site is expected to support 100 employees, contractors and mission partners as operations grow, which can increase demand for local vendors and business services. * The investment strengthens Jefferson County's aerospace and defense business base, sectors that can attract additional partnerships and follow-on economic activity.

Global Risk Community
Apr 8th, 2025
global optical satellite imaging market

In April 2023, Ball Corporation partnered with Loft Federal and Microsoft for the Space Development Agency's NExT contract, involving an experimental testbed of 10 satellites scheduled for launch in 2024.

Nasdaq
Apr 3rd, 2024
Volume Production Begins for Mynaric's Flagship Space Laser Terminal - CONDOR Mk3

Mynaric was also selected by Loft Federal to supply the CONDOR Mk3 terminals to NExT - the SDA's Experimental Testbed.