Ground Software Engineer

Loft Federal; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Flexible time off

Job summary

Loft Federal is seeking a Ground Software Engineer to develop and maintain mission software, tailor configurations for programs, and deliver features to support mission deployment. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration across product lines and operational readiness for space missions.

The role emphasizes building automated infrastructure, contributing to modern software platforms, and engaging in end-to-end satellite operations.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in software engineering, systems integration, or satellite-operations automation with ownership of software work
• Strong Python experience building automation, tooling, services, or workflows
• Experience with Git in collaborative engineering, branching, code review, and keeping changes over time
• Ability to troubleshoot integration issues by isolating root causes and driving resolution
• Experience with containerized development or deployment workflows (Docker) and cross-team collaboration

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain Ground Procedures, Configurations and Automation software for specific programs or missions
• Design and implement non-recurring features within Cockpit to support both Physical and Virtual Missions customers
• Collaborate with Solutions teams and Software Product teams to ensure smooth integration and product improvements
• Troubleshoot software integration issues during development, testing, commissioning, and operations
• Participate in Satellite Operations and support Spacecraft Commissioning; everyone is involved

Skills

Python

Git

Docker

Systems integration

Cross-team collaboration

Tools

Django

Kubernetes

Linux

GraphQL

C++

Job description

Loft Federal is committed to delivering the U.S. national security space community a fast, affordable, and streamlined pathway to orbit. As a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Loft Orbital Solutions, Inc., we specialize in providing mission-ready space infrastructure with unmatched efficiency.

At Loft, we empower our team with autonomy, ownership, and bold problem-solving opportunities while fostering a tight-knit, supportive environment. We believe that diversity, inclusivity, and community are the foundation of an open and innovative culture. We value kind, collaborative, and mission-driven teammates who excel in problem-solving and communication—because great solutions come from great teams.

Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

Loft Federal is revolutionizing access to space by building reliable, shareable satellites that drastically reduce the time and complexity traditionally required to get to orbit. We operate satellites, fly customer payloads, and handle entire missions from end-to-end. We’re a close-knit team of space enthusiasts, software experts, and cutting-edge technologists, all working together to make space simple for our customers.

As a Ground Software Engineer you’ll develop and maintain custom ground software capabilities for our customers. We configure and extend Loft Federal’s mission software for specific program needs, deliver custom features to support mission deployment and execution, and help ensure smooth operations by connecting product capabilities with mission-specific needs. We also drive product improvement by providing operational feedback and collaborating closely with Product teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting edge technology, helping build modern automated infrastructure, bringing software and space together.

About the Role:

• Own and maintain Ground Procedures, Configurations and Automation software tailored to specific programs and missions
• Design and implement non-recurring features within Cockpit to support both Physical and Virtual Missions customers
• Work closely with other Solutions teams and Software Product teams to ensure smooth integration and improve products.
• Help troubleshoot software integration issues found during development as well as during end to end testing, commissioning and operations.
• Participate actively in Satellite Operations and support Spacecraft Commissioning - Everyone is involved!

Must Haves:

• US Citizen. TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in software engineering, systems integration, or satellite-operations automation with meaningful software development ownership.
• Strong Python experience, including building maintainable automation, tooling, services, or operational workflows—not just one-off scripts.
• Experience using Git in a collaborative engineering environment, including branching, code review, and maintaining changes over time.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot software and integration issues by isolating root causes, evaluating trade-offs, and driving problems to resolution.
• Experience with Docker and containerized development or deployment workflows.Experience working across multiple technical components or teams.

Nice to Have:

• Experience developing software for satellite ground systems, mission operations, spacecraft operations, telemetry, commanding, mission planning, or other operationally critical systems.
• Experience with software integration across services, tools, configurations, APIs, or hardware/software interfaces.
• Familiarity with satellite scheduling, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft operations.
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD, automated testing, regression testing, or integration-test tooling.
• Familiarity with backend services and operational technologies such as Django, GraphQL, Kubernetes, C++, Cue, or Linux.

Some of our Awesome Benefits:

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
• 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
• Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
• Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
• Relocation assistance when applicable

Per 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!

Salary Range

$120,000 - $185,000 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affinity Action

Loft Federal is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability when applying for an open position, please contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.

We Hire for Talent, Not Just Resumes

Research shows that while men apply for jobs when they meet about 60% of the qualifications, women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. At Loft Federal, we value diverse perspectives, respectful debate, and people who challenge assumptions. If you’re excited about a role but don’t meet every requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.