Backend Engineer - Mission Operations Services

San Francisco, CA Software – Cockpit /Full time /Hybrid Loft Orbital is looking for a Backend Engineer to join our Mission Operations Services (MOS) team. MOS owns the backend services that let Loft operators and customers command, monitor, and automate our satellite fleet through Cockpit, our mission control system. You’ll help build and scale the microservices that sit between ground and flight software, turning high-level intent into safe, reliable on-orbit operations.

You’ll work across multiple satellite platforms and collaborate closely with backend, flight software, embedded systems, test, and satellite operations teams. This is a hands-on engineering role where you’ll both build new systems and help debug live missions. We also offer Sat Dev Ops  training, so you don’t just write the tools - you actually use them to operate spacecraft.

If you’re excited about building backend systems that directly control satellites - and you like the idea of both shipping code and helping fly missions - we’d love to hear from you.

About this Role Design and build backend tools for operations: services that power passes, autopilots, activities, and day‑to‑day satellite operations.

Handle commands and telemetry across multiple satellite buses and ground segment providers, with a strong focus on safety, robustness, and observability.

Write production backend code in Python, owning services end‑to‑end from design and implementation through deployment and maintenance.

Collaborate with flight software, embedded software, integration and test, and space infrastructure teams to integrate new satellite buses and capabilities into Cockpit.

Support internal users of Cockpit (operators, test engineers, solutions engineers) by improving APIs, workflows, and debugging tools.

Have the opportunity to take part in spacecraft operations through Sat Dev Ops  rotations, occasionally helping investigate anomalies and supporting real‑time incident response when needed.

Must Haves:4+ years of relevant backend software engineering experience in production environments

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, etc.).Proven API design skills (designing, documenting, and maintaining HTTP/GraphQL/REST‑style APIs).Nice to Haves:

Experience with Django and/or GraphQL.Strong database fundamentals and practical experience (e.g., Postgres, time‑series DBs).Exposure to Kubernetes in production.

Familiarity with InfluxDB / Timescale DB or other time‑series systems.

Background in mission‑critical, distributed, or real‑time systems (space or otherwise).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

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

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Off-sites and many social events and celebrations

Relocation assistance when applicable $140,000 - $190,000 a year State law requires us to share the posted base compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range is intentionally…