Maxar Space LLC in 2026: from satellite giant to Vantor and Lanteris
If you searched for Maxar Space LLC jobs in early 2026, you probably noticed the name has all but vanished from job boards. That is because Maxar Technologies no longer exists as a unified company. After private equity firm Advent International acquired Maxar for $6.4 billion in 2023, the organization was split into two independent entities: Vantor (the Earth observation and intelligence business) and Lanteris Space Systems (the satellite manufacturing division). Understanding this restructuring is essential for anyone targeting careers at what was once the largest commercial satellite imagery provider in the world.
This guide explains the new corporate structure, the technology platforms that still carry the Maxar legacy, the types of roles available across both successor companies, and realistic salary expectations for 2026.
The Maxar split: Vantor and Lanteris explained
Maxar Technologies operated two major business units during its public years. Maxar Intelligence handled satellite imagery collection, geospatial analytics, and government intelligence contracts. Maxar Space Systems designed and manufactured spacecraft, including commercial communications satellites and NASA science missions.
In October 2025, both divisions formally rebranded. Maxar Intelligence became Vantor, positioning itself as an end-to-end spatial intelligence company. Maxar Space Systems became Lanteris Space Systems, focusing on defense technology, national security satellites, missile tracking, deep space exploration, and commercial connectivity platforms.
Then in January 2026, Intuitive Machines completed its acquisition of Lanteris for approximately $800 million ($450 million in cash, $350 million in stock). This brought the satellite manufacturing capabilities in-house for the lunar lander company, which immediately announced a $175 million investment in communications and data processing networks.
If you want to work on Earth observation satellites and geospatial intelligence, look for Vantor positions. If you want to build spacecraft buses and work on NASA programs like the Gateway Power and Propulsion Element, look for roles at Intuitive Machines (which now owns the former Lanteris/Maxar Space Systems operations in Palo Alto and San Jose).
WorldView Legion: the flagship constellation
The WorldView Legion program represents the most significant satellite constellation Maxar ever built. All six WorldView Legion satellites are now on orbit, launched in three pairs by SpaceX between May 2024 and February 2025. These satellites collect 30-centimeter resolution imagery and together can image more than 6 million square kilometers of Earth per day.
WorldView Legion satellites were the first to use the 500 Series spacecraft bus, designed and built at the Palo Alto and San Jose facilities. This bus architecture represented a generational leap from the older 1300 series platform that powered dozens of commercial communications satellites.
The constellation is now operated by Vantor, which combines the imagery with analytics platforms for defense, intelligence, and commercial customers. Job roles supporting WorldView Legion include satellite operations engineers, ground system software developers, image processing specialists, and mission planners.
The Power and Propulsion Element
The highest-profile NASA program inherited by Lanteris (and now Intuitive Machines) is the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) for the Lunar Gateway. This is the highest-power solar electric propulsion spacecraft ever built, designed to serve as the communications and propulsion hub for NASA's Artemis-era lunar orbiting station.
The PPE program employed hundreds of engineers at the Palo Alto facility and continues under Intuitive Machines ownership. Roles include power systems engineers, electric propulsion specialists, avionics designers, and integration and test technicians.
The 1300 Series platform legacy
Before WorldView Legion and the 500 Series, Maxar Space Systems was best known for its 1300 Series satellite bus, one of the most successful commercial spacecraft platforms in history. More than 100 satellites have been built on this platform, serving telecommunications operators, government agencies, and scientific missions worldwide.
The 1300 Series accommodated payloads from 2 to 25 kilowatts and lifetimes exceeding 15 years. Engineers who worked on this platform gained deep expertise in geostationary orbit operations, thermal management, attitude control, and high-power solar array design. That expertise now lives within Intuitive Machines.
Roles across the Maxar successor companies
Vantor (Earth observation and intelligence)
Vantor is headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, with approximately 2,000 employees. Core role categories include:
| Role Category | Typical Titles | Salary Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Operations | Ops Engineer, Mission Planner | $85,000 - $130,000 |
| Geospatial Analytics | Image Scientist, GEOINT Analyst | $90,000 - $145,000 |
| Software Engineering | Full-Stack Dev, ML Engineer | $110,000 - $170,000 |
| Program Management | Program Manager, Capture Manager | $120,000 - $175,000 |
| Sales and BD | Account Executive, BD Lead | $100,000 - $160,000+ |
Most Vantor positions require or prefer a US security clearance due to the company's heavy involvement with the intelligence community and Department of Defense. See our guide to security clearances for space jobs for details on the process.
Intuitive Machines / former Lanteris (spacecraft manufacturing)
The manufacturing operations in Palo Alto and San Jose focus on satellite design, assembly, integration, and test. Key roles include:
| Role Category | Typical Titles | Salary Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Structures Engineer, Thermal Engineer | $95,000 - $155,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | Power Systems, Avionics, RF | $100,000 - $165,000 |
| Systems Engineering | Systems Architect, I&T Lead | $110,000 - $175,000 |
| Manufacturing | Technician, Quality Inspector | $55,000 - $90,000 |
| Propulsion | EP Engineer, Propulsion Test | $105,000 - $160,000 |
Palo Alto salaries reflect the San Jose-San Francisco locality, which has the highest federal and commercial pay adjustments in the country. Cost of living is correspondingly high.
When searching job boards, try all three names: "Maxar," "Vantor," and "Lanteris" (or "Intuitive Machines"). Many third-party job aggregators still list positions under the old Maxar branding, and some Intuitive Machines postings may not yet reference the Lanteris heritage.
Salary expectations by experience level
Compensation at the successor companies varies by location, clearance status, and experience. Here are realistic ranges based on 2026 market data:
| Experience Level | Engineering Roles | Technical/Analyst Roles | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 years) | $75,000 - $100,000 | $65,000 - $85,000 | N/A |
| Mid (3-7 years) | $100,000 - $145,000 | $85,000 - $120,000 | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Senior (8-15 years) | $140,000 - $180,000 | $115,000 - $155,000 | $140,000 - $185,000 |
| Principal/Director | $170,000 - $220,000+ | $145,000 - $180,000 | $185,000 - $250,000+ |
These figures include base salary only. Both Vantor and Intuitive Machines offer benefits packages that typically include 401(k) matching, equity or stock grants, and performance bonuses. Cleared positions often carry a 10-15% premium over uncleared equivalents.
Key locations
Westminster, Colorado is Vantor's headquarters and the primary hub for intelligence and analytics roles. The Denver-Boulder metro offers a lower cost of living than the Bay Area while still providing strong locality-adjusted compensation.
Palo Alto and San Jose, California house the spacecraft manufacturing facilities now under Intuitive Machines. These are where the 1300 Series and 500 Series satellites were built, and where the PPE continues development. Bay Area compensation is the highest in the space industry but so is the cost of housing.
Houston, Texas is Intuitive Machines' corporate headquarters and the center for its lunar lander programs. The acquisition of Lanteris creates potential for role mobility between Houston and Palo Alto.
Herndon, Virginia supports Vantor's government customer relationships and is a hub for cleared geospatial intelligence roles. Proximity to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and other intelligence customers drives demand.
How to position yourself for these roles
The Maxar-to-Vantor-and-Lanteris transition created turbulence but also opportunity. Corporate restructurings often lead to new positions being created, reporting lines being redrawn, and hiring freezes being lifted once the dust settles. Here is how to capitalize:
Emphasize platform-specific experience. If you have worked with the 1300 Series, the 500 Series, or WorldView satellites, highlight that prominently. Institutional knowledge of these systems is irreplaceable.
Get or maintain a clearance. Vantor's intelligence work and Intuitive Machines' defense contracts both require cleared personnel. A current TS/SCI clearance makes you dramatically more competitive.
Target the integration points. The most interesting new roles will emerge where Intuitive Machines' lunar expertise meets Lanteris' satellite manufacturing experience. Roles bridging these domains offer the strongest growth trajectories.
Follow the money. Intuitive Machines' $175 million investment in communications and data processing signals where hiring will concentrate in 2026-2027.
You can browse current openings at both companies on Zero G Talent, which aggregates roles from across the space industry including Intuitive Machines.
The broader context
The Maxar breakup reflects a wider trend in the space industry: private equity and strategic acquirers reshaping the competitive landscape. Advent International saw more value in separating intelligence from manufacturing. Intuitive Machines saw an opportunity to vertically integrate satellite production with its lunar services business.
For job seekers, this means the space industry's organizational chart is more fluid than ever. Companies merge, rebrand, and split, but the underlying engineering work continues. The satellites still need to be built. The imagery still needs to be analyzed. The missions still need to fly.
If you built your career at Maxar, your skills transfer directly to the successor organizations. If you are entering the industry fresh, Vantor and Intuitive Machines both represent well-funded employers with strong government contract backlogs and ambitious commercial plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maxar Space LLC still a company?
No. Maxar Technologies was acquired by Advent International in 2023 and split into two entities: Vantor (Earth observation and intelligence, formerly Maxar Intelligence) and Lanteris Space Systems (spacecraft manufacturing, formerly Maxar Space Systems). In January 2026, Intuitive Machines acquired Lanteris for $800 million. The Maxar name has been formally retired.
Where are the former Maxar facilities located?
Vantor is headquartered in Westminster, Colorado. The satellite manufacturing facilities in Palo Alto and San Jose, California now operate under Intuitive Machines. Additional offices exist in Herndon, Virginia and other locations supporting government contracts.
What happened to WorldView Legion?
All six WorldView Legion satellites are operational on orbit and are now operated by Vantor. The constellation collects 30-centimeter resolution imagery across more than 6 million square kilometers per day. It remains one of the most capable commercial Earth observation systems in the world.
Do I need a security clearance to work at Vantor?
Many Vantor positions require or strongly prefer a US security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI) due to the company's intelligence community and Department of Defense contracts. However, some technical and corporate roles, particularly in commercial analytics and software development, may not require clearance.
How does Intuitive Machines' acquisition of Lanteris affect current employees?
Intuitive Machines has invested $175 million in expanding the former Lanteris operations, which suggests growth rather than contraction. Employees at the Palo Alto and San Jose facilities now work under Intuitive Machines' corporate structure, with potential opportunities to contribute to lunar and deep space programs alongside traditional satellite manufacturing work.
