Senior Earth Observation Engineer

The role

This role leads the technical side of optical payloads, image quality and Earth observation mission performance at Loft. The engineer will define payload requirements, support calibration and commissioning, and build the data processing pipeline that turns raw payload data into imagery for customers.

What you will do

• Derive mission and payload requirements with Earth observation customers and flow them down to software, hardware and supplier teams
• Follow and drive optical payload suppliers' development and test activities
• Develop on-ground and in-orbit test and calibration strategy with the AIT and OPS teams
• Develop the on-board and on-ground data processing strategy
• Support the Lead Systems Engineer in mission CONOPS development
• Support business development for optical payload customers and Earth observation virtual missions
• Support test procedures and take part in integration, test campaigns, launch and in-orbit commissioning
• Own and contribute to the company's Earth observation roadmap

Required qualifications

• 5 or more years of demonstrated experience as a space systems engineer on Earth observation missions
• Very familiar with image quality metrics and imagery calibration (geometric, radiometric, spectral, etc.)
• Good experience with optical payloads
• Coded in Python for at least one year
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Challenges norms in aerospace engineering and testing, and/or has experience in a fast-paced development environment
• Handles pressure positively and is ready to put in hands-on work

Nice to have

• Good knowledge of deep learning and artificial neural networks
• Experience in optics and detector technologies
• Experience in optical ground support equipment
• Knowledge of ADCS and navigation/flight dynamics
• International experience

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision for you and your dependents
• 100% company-paid life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Fully paid parental leave: 16 weeks for birthing parents, 10 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Flexible time off and 12 paid holidays
• HSA with employer contribution, FSAs and commuter benefits
• Carrot Fertility, One Medical and a free Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) and equity
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
• Annual company off-site and regular social events
• International exposure to the team in France
• Relocation assistance when applicable

Before you apply

• Attach a copy of your resume in English

About the company

Loft provides governments, companies and research institutions with an end-to-end way to deploy missions in orbit, across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI and national security. Founded in 2017, it has flown more than 30 missions and is growing toward 30 satellites by 2027.