Principal Mission Systems Engineer

Loft Federal; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Loft Federal is seeking a Mission System Engineer to work with business development and program management teams on multiple satellite missions with unique multi-payload configurations.

You will collaborate across program management, systems engineering, discipline engineering, and AI&Trains teams, contributing to mission CONOPS and customer partnerships while supporting test planning and integration efforts at the manufacturer.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• U.S. Citizen required.
• 12+ years of experience as an Electrical/Systems Engineer with RF/Optical subsystems knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams to analyze RF/payload/communication systems and model performance within technical budgets.
• Define and manage system specifications and verification techniques aligned with customer requirements.
• Shape mission CONOPS and foster customer-teammate partnerships.
• Support program and product management and liaise with customers to ensure smooth execution.
• Assist with test planning and participate in integration and test campaigns at the spacecraft manufacturer’s site.

Skills

Electrical/Systems Engineer

RF subsystems

Optical subsystems

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

STK

HFSS

Requirements-management tools

Job description

About Loft Federal

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.

Role Overview

A Mission System Engineer will work with business development and program management teams to shape multiple satellite missions simultaneously, each featuring a unique multi‑payload configuration. This role requires seamless collaboration across program management, systems engineering, discipline engineering, and AI&T teams.

Mission Objectives

• Collaborate with internal teams and customers to conduct RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulation, estimating system performance and maintaining technical budgets.
• Engage closely with internal teams and customers to craft and manage system specifications and verification techniques, ensuring alignment with ambiguous customer requirements.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping mission CONOPS and fostering partnerships with customers and teammates.
• Provide support to program management and product management, serving as a liaison with customers to ensure smooth program execution.
• Extend your expertise to support test planning and actively participate in the integration and test campaigns at our spacecraft manufacturer’s site, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards.

Mission Mandates

• Active Top Secret clearance required, with the ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
• Preference for candidates with 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 and/or Special Access Programs.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Mission Credentials

• You enjoy being the face of technical requirements and working with a team to deliver quality hardware.
• You pioneer innovation in aerospace, bringing commercial space solutions to U.S. government customers.
• You have comprehensive system‑level knowledge and experience in Tactical RF or Optical subsystems.
• As a technical specialist, you analyze subsystem performance and introduce novel strategies to accomplish mission objectives.
• You thrive in a dynamic and fast‑paced development environment, adapting and excelling under pressure.
• Prior experience delivering a spacecraft to orbit and/or space‑qualified hardware to a customer.
• You have 12+ years of experience as an Electrical/Systems Engineer with detailed knowledge of RF and/or Optical subsystems.
• Experience with STK, HFSS, and requirements‑management tools highly preferred.

Compensation

Salary Range: $180,000 USD – $235,000 USD

Per Colorado law, we disclose the base compensation range for this role. Compensation will be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affinity Action

Loft Federal is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinity 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.