Sr. Payload Systems Engineer

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next.  Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can:
Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.
* Export Control/ITAR:
* Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
** Please review the job details below.
** Vantor is hiring for a Sr. Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Westminster, CO.The team is responsible for defining the
** mission, satellite, and payload architecture
** behind next-generation space constellations.

This role offers direct exposure to complex, integrated systems including spacecraft platforms, optical payloads, laser communications, and advanced onboard processing. We work closely with
** top-tier industry partners**, providing the opportunity to influence and oversee high-impact programs across the full system. Our team is composed of
** highly experienced engineers and leaders
** who understand how to deliver. We operate with a deliberate balance of
** lean execution and disciplined engineering**, enabling us to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required for mission success. Just as important, we’ve built a culture of
** strong collaboration, shared ownership, and camaraderie**—with a clear sense of purpose behind the systems we deliver.
** Responsibilities:
*** Serve as the technical interface between the imaging payload and spacecraft bus, ensuring compatibility and joint performance optimization across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and data interfaces.
* Lead and participate in system-level trades to evaluate design alternatives, performance vs. cost/risk trade-offs, and technology insertion opportunities.
* Assess and troubleshoot emerging payload and bus designs down to the circuit level using your electrical engineering background.
* Support radiation analysis and mitigation strategies for electronics in space environments, collaborating with design teams to guide EEE parts selection and architecture-level protections.
* Perform or review signal and power integrity analyses, and ensure adherence to space-qualified electrical standards (MIL-STD, ECSS, NASA standards, etc.).
* Model and evaluate payload-level power, data, and timing interactions and contribute to electrical interface control documentation (ICDs).
* Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies, COTS/FoS (Commercial/Flyable off the Shelf) hardware, and new mission concepts with an eye toward system-level integration feasibility.
* Contribute to design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and work across disciplines to ensure the payload systems meet performance, reliability, and environmental constraints.
*
* Minimum Qualifications:

*** Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active secret Security Clearance or have the ability to obtain secret clearance.
* Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
* 8+ years of experience working with space-based optical remote sensing payloads, especially within LEO missions.
* Proven experience in electrical systems engineering for space platforms, including familiarity with radiation effects on electronic systems and parts derating/qualification processes.
* Demonstrated experience with spacecraft-payload interface development, electrical interface analysis, and supporting cross-functional teams across the space segment.
* Ability to interpret and analyze schematics, block diagrams, and PCB layouts, and perform system-level implications analysis from hardware-level changes.
* Demonstrated familiarity with current and emerging FPGA, processor, and memory technologies.
* Previous experience working across payload, spacecraft, and ground…