Backend Engineer

About The Company

Loft Orbital, established in 2017, is a pioneering company dedicated to simplifying space missions for governments, commercial entities, and research institutions. Our core mission is to provide a fast, reliable, and straightforward approach to deploying, managing, and operating spacecraft in orbit. We specialize in integrating, launching, and managing end-to-end satellite missions across diverse sectors such as Earth observation, Internet of Things connectivity, on-orbit artificial intelligence, and national security. Leveraging a robust space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft Orbital significantly reduces mission integration and launch timelines from years to mere months. With over 30 successful missions flown and a growing fleet projected to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are committed to scaling our operations across our offices in San Francisco, California; Golden, Colorado; and Toulouse, France. Our proven technologies and flight heritage enable our clients to focus on their core mission objectives while we handle the complexities of space infrastructure. As an international organization, we foster a collaborative and innovative culture that values diversity, technical excellence, and a passion for space exploration.

About The Role

Loft Orbital is seeking a talented Backend Engineer to join our Oort team, a central web platform that consolidates all infrastructure data and tools related to our space missions. The Oort platform is instrumental in streamlining, integrating, and managing the entire mission lifecycle, providing unprecedented levels of efficiency and transparency. As a Backend Engineer, you will be responsible for building, operating, and maintaining features across backend services that collect, manage, and surface critical infrastructure data. Your work will enable operational teams, program managers, satellite engineers, and business stakeholders to access and utilize essential information seamlessly. You will design and implement APIs and integrations that connect various tools and data sources, ensuring reliable and efficient data flow across systems. This role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to analyze mission design, operational processes, and business workflows to translate them into intuitive, scalable software solutions. Applying a product mindset, you will seek user feedback, identify friction points, and develop solutions that simplify complex workflows, ultimately enhancing the overall mission management experience. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space infrastructure projects, working at the intersection of software engineering and space operations.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in Python, with practical experience in backend development and API design. Hands-on experience using Docker for containerization and deployment in scalable environments is essential. A solid understanding of backend architecture, including database interactions and system integration, is required. Experience working on or integrating technologies for space missions is highly desirable, reflecting a passion for making complex, multi-team technical endeavors more efficient and standardized. The candidate should excel in dissecting intricate business and technical processes, mapping them end-to-end, and identifying opportunities for innovative solutions. Strong communication skills are vital, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. A proactive problem solver who owns features from design through deployment and operations will thrive in this role. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain backend services that manage critical infrastructure data across the full mission lifecycle.

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• Design and build APIs and integrations to connect diverse tools, systems, and data sources, ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability.
• Collaborate with program management, satellite engineering, operations, and business teams to understand their workflows and translate requirements into reliable software solutions.
• Apply a product-oriented approach by seeking user feedback, identifying friction points, and delivering solutions that reduce complexity and improve usability.
• Ensure the scalability, security, and robustness of backend systems through best practices in architecture and deployment.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation to maintain high-quality standards and facilitate team collaboration.
• Stay updated with industry trends and incorporate new technologies and methodologies to enhance platform capabilities.
  
  

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contributions.
• Fully paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Flexible Time Off policy, including vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.
• Retirement plan options, including a 401(k) plan and equity participation.
• Daily catered lunches and snacks available in the office.
• International exposure through collaboration with our team in France.

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• Fully paid parental leave—14 weeks for birthing parents and 10 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• Inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility, with financial support.
• Opportunities for team off-sites, social events, and celebrations to foster a vibrant company culture.
• Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Loft Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and look forward to welcoming talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to our team. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and drives our mission forward.