Senior Space Payload Systems Engineer — Hybrid

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 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