Backend Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and build backend tools for operations, including services for autopilots, activities, and day-to-day satellite operations
• 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 and implementation through deployment and maintenance
• Collaborate with flight software, embedded systems, and space infrastructure teams to integrate new capabilities into Cockpit
• Support internal users by improving APIs, workflows, and debugging tools
• Participate in spacecraft operations through SatDevOps rotations to investigate anomalies and support real-time incident response

Requirements

• Solid Python development experience in a production environment
• Experience with Docker and container-based development
• Hands-on experience with backend web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, FastAPI)
• Proven API design skills, including designing, documenting, and maintaining HTTP/GraphQL/REST-style APIs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Django and/or GraphQL
• Strong database fundamentals and practical experience with Postgres or time-series databases
• Exposure to Kubernetes in a production environment
• Familiarity with InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, or other time-series systems
• Background in mission-critical, distributed, or real-time systems

About the Company

Founded in 2017, Loft Orbital 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, and national security.