Backend Engineer - Mission Operations Services

About the role

Loft Orbital is looking for a Backend Engineer to join the Mission Operations Services team to build and scale microservices for their satellite fleet control system, Cockpit. You will design backend tools for satellite operations, handle telemetry and commands, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new satellite buses. This role involves end-to-end ownership of production services and offers the opportunity to participate in spacecraft operations through SatDevOps rotations.

Responsibilities

• Design and build backend tools for operations including services that power passes, autopilots, and activities.
• Handle commands and telemetry across multiple satellite buses and ground segment providers with a focus on safety and observability.
• Write production backend code in Python, owning services from design through deployment and maintenance.
• Collaborate with flight software, embedded software, and space infrastructure teams to integrate new satellite buses into Cockpit.
• Support internal users by improving APIs, workflows, and debugging tools.
• Participate in spacecraft operations through SatDevOps rotations to investigate anomalies and support incident response.

Required skills

• Python
• Docker
• Backend web development
• API design
• HTTP
• GraphQL
• REST

Nice to have

• Django
• Postgres
• Kubernetes
• InfluxDB
• TimescaleDB
• Distributed systems
• Real-time systems

Benefits

• Equity
• 35 days of Paid Time Off
• Flexible working hours
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Lunch Vouchers
• Cross-office travel opportunities
• Company and team off-sites
• Relocation assistance

About the Company

Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. They integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across various sectors including Earth observation and national security.