Spacecraft Systems Engineer
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Who We’re Looking For Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in orbit.
Our high-delta-V spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions where propulsion capability and rapid execution matter.
We are hiring a Spacecraft Mission Systems Engineer to serve as a technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery.
This is not a paperwork-only systems role.
You will operate as a program technical lead, driving requirements, interfaces, design maturity, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and mission operations.
We are looking for someone deeply technical, systems-minded, hardware-grounded, and comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams through high-stakes design reviews.
Where You’ll Make an Impact
- Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept, design, integration, and flight readiness
- Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements, and interface control across all subsystems
- Drive major trade studies (propulsion, power, mass, mission design, payload integration) with clear engineering judgment
- Serve as a key technical interface to customers, government stakeholders, and mission partners
- Lead internal and external reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
- Establish and enforce verification and validation strategy for both hardware and flight software
- Support hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental test, and launch campaign readiness
- Mentor engineers and raise the bar on technical rigor, execution speed, and engineering standards
What It Takes
- B.S. in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar field (M.S. preferred)
- 3 to 12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience on flight or flight-like hardware
- Demonstrated ownership of spacecraft-level requirements, architecture, and subsystem integration
- Experience leading technical execution through at least one major milestone (PDR or beyond)
- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, especially propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC interfaces
- Ability to operate as a technical authority in a fast-moving, build-and-fly environment
- Excellent communication skills, able to lead engineers, brief executives, and interface with customers
Strongly Preferred Experience
- Former Lead Systems Engineer, or technical lead for a spacecraft program
- Experience with DoD space programs, or national security missions
- Deep background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design
- Hands-on experience supporting integration, environmental test, and flight operations
- Familiarity with mission assurance, risk management, and technical standards enforcement
- Active clearance or eligibility is a plus
Tools And Technical Breadth
- Requirements and configuration tools (Jama, DOORS, JIRA, Confluence)
- CAD familiarity (Creo or SolidWorks) and strong engineering intuition across thermal, structural, and fluids domains
- Mission analysis and engineering programming skills (Python or MATLAB) strongly valued
Why Quantum Space
- Build spacecraft that actually fly, rapidly and repeatedly
- Own real technical authority, not just process
- Work with a team pushing the frontier of high-mobility space logistics
- Competitive compensation, equity, and top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing
Location: Rockville, MD
Base Salary: $180,000 to $220,000
Export Compliance Requirement 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.
About Quantum Space
Private U.S. space-defense company building maneuverable spacecraft for national-security, civil, and commercial operators.
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