System Validation Architect

Loft Orbital Solutions • Golden, CO

92d • $160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

We’re looking for a System Validation Architect to join our Operations team in Golden, CO. This is a senior, hands-on technical role focused on enabling fast, effective, and reliable system-level validation of Loft’s spacecraft platforms and products, with a particular focus on software and test infrastructure dependencies. The ideal candidate is a strong technical generalist with deep experience in software-hardware integration, test infrastructure, and software verification methodologies, who can help guide cross-functional testing strategies across multiple teams, and act as a force multiplier for our test engineering and validation efforts. This is a high-impact position working closely across teams such as Test Infrastructure, AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test), Systems Engineering, Software, and Mission Operations.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in software-hardware system integration or verification, especially in aerospace, automotive, or embedded systems domains.
• Strong background in software validation at the system level—not just unit tests.
• Hands-on experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test environments.
• Deep knowledge of how software functions across the stack—from firmware to embedded systems to ground applications.
• Strong Python skills and familiarity with scripting tools used in test automation.
• Experience working with networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, etc.) and understanding real-world communication between distributed systems.
• Familiarity with software release processes, agile methodologies, and cross-functional validation workflows.
• Able to troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues across a wide range of systems, from flight processors to test infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Can speak the language of both hardware and software teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing or validating complex HIL/SIL testbeds.
• Familiarity with Loft’s core products and software stack (e.g., HubKit, flight software, ground control systems).
• Prior experience in aerospace system validation (CubeSats, smallsats, or bus-level avionics).
• Ability to 'tinker' and dive into test setups—wiring, scripting, log analysis, debugging, etc.
• Comfort working in ambiguity—able to identify gaps, create structure, and drive progress across teams.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate high-quality system-level validation for Loft’s missions, products, and programs—especially in areas where software and test infrastructure intersect.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to review and improve Verification & Validation (V&V) plans, ensuring complete coverage and realistic execution timelines.
• Identify and resolve blockers in validation campaigns—ranging from missing test hardware, gaps in infrastructure, or unclear software interfaces.
• Act as a technical mentor and subject matter expert, especially in areas related to Loft’s test infrastructure, software stack, and test planning processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in how we validate our hardware and software systems—from test plan development through execution and feedback.
• Propose and help implement processes, tools, and infrastructure that improve the scalability, repeatability, and efficiency of system validation.
• Review and guide V&V plans: Ensure our plans are thorough, executable, and account for software/test infra dependencies. Identify long lead risks or missing elements early.
• Raise the bar on test quality: Mentor test engineers, review test plans and procedures, promote automation and reusability, and participate in TRRs and related milestones.
• Resolve blockers: Be the go-to resource for resolving complex testing issues. Help debug bricked flight processors, uplift test benches, or validate firmware updates—whatever it takes to keep validation moving.
• Bridge silos: Work across departments to improve coordination between Product, Test Infrastructure, Software, and AIT. Share context, reduce redundancy, and push for alignment.
• Promote scalable testing: Advocate for architecture and tooling that support modular, reusable validation methods (e.g., 'Lego block' approach to testing assets).
• Improve software release validation: Help define gates for feature releases that align with system-level validation needs. Map the software lifecycle to our hardware integration plans.

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 in office
• International exposure to our team in France
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree