Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a highly technical and systems-minded Spacecraft Systems Engineer to serve as the technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. In this role, you will lead spacecraft-level systems engineering activities, driving requirements development, interface management, design integration, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and mission operations.
You will play a critical role in ensuring technical excellence throughout the spacecraft lifecycle while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and mission stakeholders. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep spacecraft systems expertise with strong technical leadership and a passion for building and flying innovative space vehicles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where You'll Make an Impact
- 01Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept development, design, integration, test, and flight readiness
- 02Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements development, interface management, and configuration across all spacecraft subsystems
- 03Conduct and lead system-level trade studies involving propulsion, power, mass properties, mission design, payload integration, and overall vehicle performance
- 04Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, mission partners, and internal program leadership
- 05Lead major engineering reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
- 06Develop and execute spacecraft verification and validation strategies for both flight hardware and software
- 07Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
- 08Collaborate across propulsion, avionics, structures, software, GNC, manufacturing, and mission operations teams to ensure successful system integration
- 09Mentor engineers while promoting technical rigor, rapid execution, and engineering best practices
- 10Support multiple spacecraft development efforts in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment
- 11Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen systems engineering processes, design methodologies, and technical standards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What It Takes
- 12Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred)
- 133–12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience supporting flight or flight-like hardware
- 14Demonstrated experience owning spacecraft-level requirements, architecture development, subsystem integration, and technical execution
- 15Experience leading technical development through at least one major spacecraft design milestone (PDR or later)
- 16Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, power, thermal, and software interfaces
- 17Experience developing system requirements, interface control documentation, verification plans, and technical baselines
- 18Ability to serve as a technical authority within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment
- 19Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
- 20Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nice-to-Have Experience
- 21Experience serving as a Lead Systems Engineer or technical lead on a spacecraft development program
- 22Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security space programs
- 23Deep technical background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design
- 24Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and flight operations
- 25Familiarity with mission assurance, technical risk management, and systems engineering best practices
- 26Experience using requirements and configuration management tools such as Jama, DOORS, JIRA, and Confluence
- 27Working knowledge of CAD tools such as Creo or SolidWorks and multidisciplinary engineering principles across structural, thermal, and fluid systems
- 28Programming or mission analysis experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools
- 29Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What You'll Get
- 30Ownership – Lead the technical development of advanced spacecraft from mission concept through launch and flight operations
- 31Innovation – Help develop next-generation spacecraft that redefine mobility and maneuverability in space
- 32Impact – Work on mission-critical programs supporting national security, civil, and commercial space customers
- 33Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and continuous innovation
- 34Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing
Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO
Base Salary: $110,000 to $220,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.
Estados Unidos
