System Validation Architect

Wanna join the adventure?
We’re looking for a System Validation Architect to join our Operations team in Golden, CO. This is a senior, hands-on technical role focused on enabling fast, effective, and reliable system-level validation of Loft’s spacecraft platforms and products, with a particular focus on software and test infrastructure dependencies.
The ideal candidate is a strong technical generalist with deep experience in software-hardware integration, test infrastructure, and software verification methodologies, who can help guide cross-functional testing strategies across multiple teams, and act as a force multiplier for our test engineering and validation efforts.
This is a high-impact position working closely across teams such as Test Infrastructure, AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test), Systems Engineering, Software, and Mission Operations.

About The Role:

• Facilitate high-quality system-level validation for Loft’s missions, products, and programs—especially in areas where software and test infrastructure intersect.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to review and improve Verification & Validation (V&V) plans, ensuring complete coverage and realistic execution timelines.
• Identify and resolve blockers in validation campaigns—ranging from missing test hardware, gaps in infrastructure, or unclear software interfaces.
• Act as a technical mentor and subject matter expert, especially in areas related to Loft’s test infrastructure, software stack, and test planning processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in how we validate our hardware and software systems—from test plan development through execution and feedback.
• Propose and help implement processes, tools, and infrastructure that improve the scalability, repeatability, and efficiency of system validation.
• Review and guide V&V plans: Ensure our plans are thorough, executable, and account for software/test infra dependencies. Identify long lead risks or missing elements early.
• Raise the bar on test quality: Mentor test engineers, review test plans and procedures, promote automation and reusability, and participate in TRRs and related milestones.
• Resolve blockers: Be the go-to resource for resolving complex testing issues. Help debug bricked flight processors, uplift test benches, or validate firmware updates—whatever it takes to keep validation moving.
• Bridge silos: Work across departments to improve coordination between Product, Test Infrastructure, Software, and AIT. Share context, reduce redundancy, and push for alignment.
• Promote scalable testing: Advocate for architecture and tooling that support modular, reusable validation methods (e.g., "Lego block" approach to testing assets).
• Improve software release validation: Help define gates for feature releases that align with system-level validation needs. Map the software lifecycle to our hardware integration plans.

Must Haves:

• 7+ years of experience in software-hardware system integration or verification, especially in aerospace, automotive, or embedded systems domains.
• Strong background in software validation at the system level—not just unit tests.
• Hands-on experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test environments.
• Deep knowledge of how software functions across the stack—from firmware to embedded systems to ground applications.
• Strong Python skills and familiarity with scripting tools used in test automation.
• Experience working with networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, etc.) and understanding real-world communication between distributed systems.
• Familiarity with software release processes, agile methodologies, and cross-functional validation workflows.
• Able to troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues across a wide range of systems, from flight processors to test infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Can speak the language of both hardware and software teams.

Nice To Haves:

• Experience designing or validating complex HIL/SIL testbeds.
• Familiarity with Loft’s core products and software stack (e.g., HubKit, flight software, ground control systems).
• Prior experience in aerospace system validation (CubeSats, smallsats, or bus-level avionics).
• Ability to "tinker" and dive into test setups—wiring, scripting, log analysis, debugging, etc.
• Comfort working in ambiguity—able to identify gaps, create structure, and drive progress across teams.

Some Of Our Awesome Benefits:

• 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 Orbital builds “shareable” satellites, providing a fast & simple path to orbit for organizations that require access to space. Powered by our hardware & software products, we operate satellites, fly customer payloads onboard, and handle entire missions from end to end - significantly reducing the lead-time and risk of a traditional space mission.
Our standard interface enables us to fly multiple customer payloads on the same satellite, with capabilities such as earth imagery, weather & climate /science data collection, IoT connectivity, in-orbit demonstrations, and national security missions. Our customers trust us to manage their space infrastructure, so they can focus on what matters most to them: operating their mission and collecting their data.
At Loft, you’ll be given the autonomy and ownership to solve significant challenges, but with a close-knit and supportive team at your back. We believe that diversity and community are the foundation of an open culture. We are committed to hiring the best people regardless of background and make their time at Loft the most fulfilling period of their career.
We value kind, supportive and team-oriented collaborators. It is also crucial for us that you are a problem solver and a great communicator. As our team is international, you will need strong English skills to better collaborate, easily communicate complex ideas and convey important messages.
With 6 satellites on-orbit and a wave of exciting missions launching soon, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France.
As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.