Principal Satellite Systems Engineer

MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor in Westminster, CO is seeking a Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end space systems development from customer needs to delivery. You will manage vendor discussions, review requirements, and oversee test plans for a high-performance Earth observation platform.

The role emphasizes architecture through on-orbit operations, subcontractor oversight, and robust design for low-Earth orbit environments. U.S. citizenship is required and the position is based on-site in Colorado.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or related field.
• 6–12 years of aerospace systems engineering experience.
• End-to-end aerospace program system engineering from architecture to on-orbit operations.
• Experience designing/qualifying hardware and software for LEO environments (structure, thermal, radiation, EMI/EMC).
• Ownership of the design, analysis and test of a satellite bus or whole satellite system.
• Subcontractor oversight and test report review experience.
• Strong understanding of LEO space environments and their impact on system performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead vendor interactions for satellite bus procurement and review designs with a small team of aerospace specialists.
• Write and oversee statements of work and bus requirements.
• Review ICDs, payload integration and test plans.
• Review vendor-submitted processes, design reviews, analysis packages and test reports to validate mission requirements.
• Conduct and evaluate responses to RFIs and RFPs with satellite component vendors.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Vendor management

Requirements decomposition

RF systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or related field

Tools

RF design and analysis

Satellite bus software

Encryption hardware / IP cores

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).Please review the job details below.Vantor is hiring a Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to join our SpaceWRX team to execute space projects starting from customer needs to design, develop, and deliver the world’s most capable earth observation systems. We are seeking a proven engineering leader to join our team in Westminster, CO.In this role, you will:Lead vendor interactions for satellite bus procurement, working with a small team of aerospace experts to review designs and manage issuesWrite and oversee execution of statements of work and bus requirementsReview ICDs as well as payload integration and test plansReview vendor-submitted processes, design reviews, analysis packages, and test reports to sell of mission requirementsConduct and evaluate responses to RFIs and RFPs with satellite component vendorsMinimum Qualifications:Must be a U.S. CitizenBachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or a related field of study6-12 years of experience in aerospace systems engineeringEnd-to-end aerospace program system engineering experience from initial architecture through assembly, integration and test to on-orbit operationsExperience designing and qualifying hardware and software for low-earth orbit space environments: structural, thermal, radiation, and EMI/EMC in particularExperience owning the design, analysis and test of a satellite bus or whole satellite systemExperience writing, decomposing and verifying requirements on a satellite programSubcontractor oversight experience: Environmental test oversight, test report reviewing, etc.Strong understanding of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environments (radiation, thermal, orbital mechanics, etc.) and their impacts on system performancePreferred Qualifications:Experience working an Earth Observation satellite programExperience as a satellite or bus lead systems engineerExperience in RF systems design and analysis: space radios, transmitters and transceiversExperience working with space-based memory and mission data recordersExperience working with precision timing systemsExperience with encryption/decryption hardware devices and/or IP coresFamiliarity with software architecture, satellite bus flight software in particularExperience integrating AI-enabled edge-compute solutions in spaceExperience integrating optical crosslink terminal solutions in spaceAbility to obtain a US Government security clearance at the TS/SCI level#LI-MG1Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate’s experience, expertise, and alignment with the role. The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $135,000.00 - $180,000.00 - $198,000.00 annually.For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careersAdditionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.