Sr. Test Engineer

Loftorbital; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

HSA/FSA offered

Life/AD&D insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) & equity

Catered lunches

Relocation assistance

Parental leave

Fertility benefits

Off-sites

Job summary

Loftorbital in Colorado is seeking an RF AIT Engineer to lead RF assembly, integration, and testing for space missions. You will design test plans, verify performance, and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and system engineers to ensure reliable spaceflight hardware.

The ideal candidate has a strong RF background, 5+ years in subsystem testing, and hands-on experience with VNA, spectrum analysis, EMI/EMC, and environmental tests. Relocation may be offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE/Aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in RF subsystem testing and integration.
• Strong RF design and testing tool experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly and integration of RF subsystems into the spacecraft.
• Develop test plans and verify RF system performance.
• Troubleshoot RF hardware during testing.
• Prepare RF hardware for environmental tests (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Collaborate with RF architects and design engineers for optimization.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

VNA

Spectrum Analyzer

RF chamber

EMI/EMC testing tools

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

As our new RF AIT (Radio Frequency Assembly, Integration, and Test) Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development, assembly, integration, and testing of RF (Radio Frequency) systems and components for Loft space missions. This role requires a strong background in RF engineering, electrical engineering, and space technology.

• Lead the assembly and integration of RF subsystems and components into the spacecraft.
• Ensure proper installation, wiring, and connectivity of RF hardware according to design specifications.
• Develop test plans and procedures for RF systems and components.
• Conduct comprehensive RF tests to verify system performance, including sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency response.
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF hardware issues during testing.
• Prepare RF hardware for environmental testing, including thermal vacuum testing, vibration testing, and electromagnetic interference (EMI)/electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.
• Analyze and report on environmental test results to ensure RF systems meet specified requirements.
• Collaborate with RF system architects and design engineers to perform system analysis and simulations for performance optimization.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and system engineers, to integrate RF systems into spacecraft successfully.
• Hands-on experience with space hardware and spaceflight antennas, with a strong understanding of design intent.
• Proficiency in test engineering, including test design, validation, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with tests such as EMI/EMC, GNC GPS testing, and TTNC (tracking telemetry and control).
• Knowledge of relevant software for testing and analysis.
• Familiarity with electrical check-out procedures and environments, though emphasis lies more on rigorous testing rather than environmental testing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF subsystem testing and integration.
• Proven experience in RF system integration, simulation, and performance analysis.
• Experience in payload RF systems, transceiver, and amplifier design.
• Proven experience with RF testing tools (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, RF chamber)
• Knowledge in EMI/EMC characterization is a real plus for this position
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in Signal Processing algorithms

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
• 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
• International exposure to our team in France
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
• Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
• Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
• Relocation assistance when applicable

* Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check all the boxes.

Who We Are

Loft: Space Made Simple.

Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit.

We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft’s flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives.

With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure.

As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.