Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

At Vantor, the Senior Satellite Systems Engineer will help shape the mission, satellite, and payload architecture behind next-generation space constellations from the company’s Westminster, Colorado on-site site. The role involves collaborating across spacecraft platforms, optical payloads, laser communications, and advanced onboard processing to translate concept ideas into robust system designs. This position blends hands-on analysis with vendor engagement to drive mission concepts from first principles to verified architectures.

Responsibilities

• Assess and respond to RFIs and RFPs issued by satellite component vendors, evaluating proposals.
• Perform thermal-design studies using unit- and system-level models, suggest design modifications, and interpret ConOps constraints for high-dissipation, high-stability systems.
• Carry out launch studies using satellite and launch-stack models.
• Create Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and secure approval of their requirements.
• Develop and oversee system compliance with structural and thermal requirements.
• Review vendor-submitted processes, design reviews, analysis packages, and test reports.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen; eligible to work in the United States.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, physics, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in space systems engineering and analysis.
• Structural analysis experience: using CAD software and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to construct and run satellite and launch-stack structural models, and evaluate profile notching.
• Thermal analysis experience: building and tuning thermal models from design, test, and on-orbit data for high-stability space-based systems and establishing ConOps restrictions for high-dissipation components.
• Ability to review unit and spacecraft-level acoustic, random/sine vibration, and shock test data for compliance with launch vehicle requirements.
• Ability to review unit and spacecraft-level thermal test results.

Technologies

• CAD software
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Mental health resources
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Adoption reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Incentive eligibility/bonus plan

Pay Transparency

To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 - $132,000.00 annually.

EEO Policy

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.