Senior Payload Systems Engineer

Vantor Services; Westminster (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantor is seeking a Senior Payload Systems Engineer to join our SpaceWrx team in Westminster, CO. The role involves end-to-end development of next-generation satellite constellation architectures, interfaces between imaging payloads and spacecraft buses, and collaboration with suppliers across SRR/PDR/CDR through to on-orbit operations.

The position offers in-office days Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Mondays and Fridays, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional system

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen with an active secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience with space-based optical remote sensing payloads or similar hardware.
• Experience with spacecraft-to-payload interface development across multiple space segment teams.
• Proficient in MATLAB and Python; ability to learn new tools as needed.
• Understanding of requirements management and ICDs; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Manage interface between imaging payload and spacecraft bus across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and data interfaces.
• Lead system-level trades for design alternatives, performance vs. cost/risk, and tech insertion.
• Coordinate supplier reviews, design reviews, and cross-discipline alignment for payload performance.
• Develop payload concept of operations including power, data, and timing interactions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and COTS hardware for system integration feasibility.
• Assess and troubleshoot payload and bus designs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical field

Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

SPICE

HFSS

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 Senior Payload Systems Engineer to join our SpaceWrx team in Westminster, CO. This position offers in-office workdays on Tuesdays through Thursdays and from home on Mondays and Fridays.

The team is responsible for end-to-end development of our next-generation satellite constellation, including defining the architecture and requirements for mission, vehicle, and payload elements; working with top-tier industry suppliers during manufacturing, integration, and test; and supporting launch and initial on-orbit operations. This is a broad Payload Systems Engineering job that offers direct exposure to complex, integrated systems including spacecraft platforms, optical payloads, laser communications, and advanced onboard processing. It also necessarily links the capabilities provided by such technologies to Vantor's imagery and software products and critical customer needs.

Vantor is known as the premiere provider of commercial imagery in the world. Our team is composed of multidisciplined engineers and leaders operating with a deliberate balance of lean execution and robust engineering, enabling us to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required for mission success. Just as important, we've built a culture of strong collaboration, shared ownership, and camaraderie-with a clear sense of purpose behind systems we deliver.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the technical interface between the imaging payload and spacecraft bus, ensuring compatibility and joint performance optimization across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and data interfaces.
• Lead and participate in system-level trades to evaluate design alternatives, performance vs. cost/risk trade-offs, and technology insertion opportunities.
• Participate in supplier management via site visits, review of deliverable artifacts, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), working across disciplines to ensure the payload systems meet performance, reliability, and environmental constraints.
• Support development of a comprehensive payload concept-of-operations including modeling and evaluation of power, data, and timing interactions across all states and modes.
• Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies, COTS/FoS (Commercial/Flyable off the Shelf) hardware, and new mission concepts with an eye toward system-level integration feasibility.
• Assess and troubleshoot emerging payload and bus designs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active secret Security Clearance or have the ability to obtain secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5-7 years of experience working with space-based optical remote sensing payloads or similar hardware systems.
• Demonstrated experience with spacecraft-to-payload interface development and working with multiple space segment teams in a cross-functional role.
• Experience with general software tools such as MATLAB and Python, and ability to learn and utilize new tools as dictated by evolving job demands.
• Understanding of requirements management documentation (e.g., specifications and ICDs) and processes.
• Previous experience working across organizational boundaries, e.g., between payload, spacecraft, and ground teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Physics.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for space platforms, including awareness of specialty disciplines such as radiation survivability and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Experience with modeling tools such as STK, SPICE, HFSS, or signal integrity/power analysis software.
• Familiarity with imaging payloads (visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral), data processing requirements, and performance metrics (SNR, MTF, etc.).
• Familiarity with current and emerging technologies, including in the areas of FPGAs, processors, memory, and storage devices.
• Experience with fault management, redundancy architectures, and design for reliability in long-duration space missions.
• Familiarity with space industry quality and standards frameworks (NASA GSFC, JPL, ECSS, MIL-STD-1547, IPC standards).

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