Principal Test Engineer

Wanna join the adventure?

Loft Orbital is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to develop and execute robust test strategies and processes that ensure the highest standards of product quality across a range of complex aerospace hardware. In this role, you will take ownership of mapping technical requirements to verification and validation approaches, driving innovation and improving test processes across a range of technical products.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of space technology, working on a diverse set of products across Loft's unique business model. You will collaborate closely with design, software and manufacturing teams to optimize test workflows, drive the creation of customized ground support equipment, and solve complex technical challenges while providing senior technical leadership to a growing team.

*Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized 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.

• Design tests, procedures, controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated testing systems, tooling, and/or ground support equipment (GSE) to streamline production and testing workflows.
• Oversee the execution of test programs, validate test documentation, and ensure equipment meets requirements; mentor and train team members on validated procedures and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues with hardware and equipment, analyze test data, and generate clear, comprehensive test reports, including flags/non-conformances and other necessary documentation.
• Coordinate with mission managers, operations teams, and other stakeholders to ensure test programs align with project budgets, timelines, and performance goals.

• At least 10 years of professional experience in aerospace engineering, with a strong background in systems-level testing and validation.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Expertise in interpreting engineering documentation (e.g., electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, CAD models, wire lists).
• Extensive knowledge of requirements management, system design, integration, and test functions.
• Proven track record in conducting or designing environmental tests, including thermal, thermal vacuum (TVAC), EMI, vibration, shock, acoustic, etc.
• Deep experience with testing equipment, instrumentation, and standards (e.g., GEVS), and methodologies for both manual and automated testing.
• Strong familiarity with product quality assurance principles and experience managing test flags, non-conformance documentation, and corrective actions.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation tools (e.g., Python, Lua, MATLAB, VBA).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills (both written and verbal), with an ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.

• Experience developing Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and/or automated test equipment.
• Experience developing test plans and system-level requirements derivation and allocation
• Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (e.g. FAA, NASA, DoD)
• Ability to support nights and weekends as required

• Prolonged sitting and/or standing
• Will occasionally work with hazardous chemicals and/or tools/equipment (e.g., solvents, hi-pot testers)
• May occasionally require working in uncomfortable positions and/or dangerous environments (e.g., during test setup/teardown inside a thermal chamber)

• 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
• International exposure to our team in France
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for primary caregiver and 10 weeks for secondary caregiver
• 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

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 4 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.