Maxar careers in 2026: Earth observation, robotics, and what to know
Maxar careers in 2026: Earth observation, robotics, and what to know
Maxar Technologies builds Earth observation satellites, geospatial data products, and space robotics. The company was taken private by Advent International in January 2024 for $6.4 billion and has approximately 4,400 employees. Going private removed quarterly earnings pressure and gave Maxar room to invest in WorldView Legion and robotics programs.
What Maxar does
Earth Intelligence — Operates the WorldView satellite constellation, providing high-resolution commercial Earth imagery. Customers include the U.S. government (NGA), defense agencies, and commercial mapping services (Google Maps uses Maxar imagery). The WorldView Legion constellation launched in 2024-2025 increases revisit rates significantly.
Space Infrastructure — Builds satellite buses (1300-class platform) and space robotics. Maxar built the robotic arm for NASA's OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) mission, and is the prime contractor for the NASA Gateway's Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO).
Key locations
| Location | Focus | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CA | Satellite manufacturing, corporate | Major hub |
| Westminster, CO | Geospatial analytics, satellite operations | Major hub |
| San Jose, CA | Robotics, space infrastructure | Engineering center |
| Herndon, VA | Government relations, D.C.-area customers | Smaller office |
Salary ranges
| Role | Estimated Base Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Engineer | $80,000–$105,000 | Mechanical, electrical, systems |
| Software Engineer | $95,000–$140,000 | Ground systems, image processing |
| Mid-Level Engineer | $110,000–$150,000 | 5-10 years experience |
| Senior Engineer | $140,000–$185,000 | Technical lead, subject matter expert |
| Geospatial Analyst | $70,000–$110,000 | Image analysis, GIS |
| Program Manager | $120,000–$170,000 | Satellite programs |
California locations pay at the higher end of ranges, but carry 9.3%+ state income tax and very high cost of living. Westminster, CO offers a better cost-of-living balance.
Going private means Maxar no longer offers publicly traded stock. Compensation may include equity participation tied to Advent's ownership structure, but details vary by role and level. Ask about equity terms during the offer stage — private equity-backed companies handle equity differently than public companies or pre-IPO startups.
Programs driving hiring
WorldView Legion — Next-generation Earth observation constellation with higher revisit rates than previous WorldView satellites. Ongoing operations and data analytics require image processing engineers, ground systems software, and constellation operations staff.
NASA Gateway (PPE + HALO) — Maxar is the prime contractor for the Power and Propulsion Element, the first component of the lunar Gateway space station. This is a multi-year program requiring systems engineers, power systems engineers, and propulsion specialists.
Space robotics — OSAM-1 and related on-orbit servicing technology. Maxar's robotics heritage comes from building the Canadarm series for the Space Shuttle and ISS.
Defense and intelligence — NGA and other IC agency contracts for geospatial intelligence products.
How to apply
Apply through maxar.com/careers. Maxar uses Workday for applications. Most engineering positions require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to ITAR restrictions.
Competitive advantages of Maxar:
- Smaller company = broader exposure across satellite lifecycle
- Robotics + Earth observation is a unique combination
- Gateway and OSAM-1 are high-profile NASA programs
- Private equity backing provides financial stability
Considerations:
- California locations have high cost of living
- Private equity ownership means potential for future organizational changes
- Smaller than defense primes, so fewer internal transfer options
Browse satellite engineering jobs on Zero G Talent, or compare with Lockheed Martin careers, Northrop Grumman careers, and Ball Aerospace careers.
