Principal Satellite Systems Engineer

InvestedintheMission; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor in Westminster, CO is hiring a Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to lead design, development, and delivery of earth observation systems. You will guide vendor interactions, write statements of work, review designs, and oversee test plans as part of the SpaceWRX team.

The role requires a strong background in aerospace systems, end-to-end program experience, and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or related field.
• 6–12 years of experience in aerospace systems engineering.
• End-to-end aerospace program system engineering experience from architecture to on-orbit operations.
• Experience designing and qualifying hardware and software for LEO space environments (structural, thermal, radiation, EMI/EMC).
• Experience owning the design, analysis and test of a satellite bus or whole satellite system.
• Experience writing, decomposing and verifying requirements on a satellite program.
• Subcontractor oversight experience: test oversight, test report review.

Responsibilities

• Lead vendor interactions for satellite bus procurement with a small team of aerospace experts.
• Write and oversee execution of statements of work and bus requirements.
• Review ICDs, payload integration and test plans.
• Review vendor processes, design reviews, analysis packages, and test reports.
• Contribute to RFIs/RFPs with satellite component vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

Systems engineering

RF/EMC

LEO knowledge

Space components

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ECSS standards

Spacecraft modeling tools

RF design tools

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 issues
• Write and oversee execution of statements of work and bus requirements
• Review ICDs as well as payload integration and test plans
• Review vendor-submitted processes, design reviews, analysis packages, and test reports to sell of mission requirements
• Conduct and evaluate responses to RFIs and RFPs with satellite component vendors

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or a related field of study
• 6-12 years of experience in aerospace systems engineering
• End-to-end aerospace program system engineering experience from initial architecture through assembly, integration and test to on-orbit operations
• Experience designing and qualifying hardware and software for low-earth orbit space environments: structural, thermal, radiation, and EMI/EMC in particular
• Experience owning the design, analysis and test of a satellite bus or whole satellite system
• Experience writing, decomposing and verifying requirements on a satellite program
• Subcontractor 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 performance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working an Earth Observation satellite program
• Experience as a satellite or bus lead systems engineer
• Experience in RF systems design and analysis: space radios, transmitters and transceivers
• Experience working with space-based memory and mission data recorders
• Experience working with precision timing systems
• Experience with encryption/decryption hardware devices and/or IP cores
• Familiarity with software architecture, satellite bus flight software in particular
• Experience integrating AI-enabled edge-compute solutions in space
• Experience integrating optical crosslink terminal solutions in space
• Ability to obtain a US Government security clearance at the TS/SCI level

#LI-MG1

Pay 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/careers

Additionally, 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.

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.