loftorbitalVerified Source

Backend Engineer Mission Operations Services

Onsite · San Francisco, California
Posted August 12, 2026
payroll

Overview

Lead backend services for Mission Operations Services enabling command monitor and automation of satellite fleet through Cockpit. Build and scale microservices bridging ground and flight software delivering safe reliable on-orbit operations. Work across multiple satellite platforms collaborating with backend flight software embedded systems test and satellite operations teams. This hands-on role involves building new systems and debugging live missions while utilizing SatDevOps training to operate spacecraft.

What You'll Do6

  • 1Design and build backend tools for operations including services that power passes autopilots activities and daily satellite operations
  • 2Handle commands and telemetry across multiple satellite buses and ground segment providers focusing on safety robustness and observability
  • 3Write production backend code in Python owning services end-to-end from design implementation through deployment and maintenance
  • 4Collaborate with flight software embedded software integration and test teams to integrate new satellite buses and capabilities into Cockpit
  • 5Support internal users of Cockpit by improving APIs workflows and debugging tools
  • 6Participate in spacecraft operations through SatDevOps rotations assisting anomaly investigation and real-time incident response

Requirements9

  • 14+ years of relevant backend software engineering experience in production environments
  • 2Solid Python development experience in a production environment
  • 3Experience with Docker and container-based development
  • 4Hands-on experience with backend web development frameworks such as Django Flask FastAPI
  • 5Proven API design skills designing documenting maintaining HTTP GraphQL REST-style APIs
  • 6Strong database fundamentals and practical experience with Postgres time-series databases
  • 7Exposure to Kubernetes in production
  • 8Familiarity with InfluxDB TimescaleDB or other time-series systems
  • 9Background in mission-critical distributed or real-time systems whether space or otherwise

Salary Insight

Salary not disclosed in listing

Location

Typeonsite
LocationSan Francisco, California

Required Skills

PythonDockerBackend Web Development FrameworksAPI DesignDjangoGraphQLPostgresTime‑Series DatabasesKubernetesInfluxDBTimescaleDBMission‑Critical Distributed Systems
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