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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Verified today

Quantum Space · Rockville, MD · Hawthorne, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the role

Quantum Space is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to serve as the technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. 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.

What you will own

  • Spacecraft-level technical execution across concept development, design, integration, test, and flight readiness
  • End-to-end system architecture, requirements development, interface management, and configuration across all spacecraft subsystems
  • System-level trade studies involving propulsion, power, mass properties, mission design, payload integration, and overall vehicle performance
  • Primary technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, mission partners, and internal program leadership
  • 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)
  • Spacecraft verification and validation strategies for both flight hardware and software
  • Assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness support
  • Cross-functional collaboration across propulsion, avionics, structures, software, GNC, manufacturing, and mission operations teams
  • Mentoring engineers while promoting technical rigor, rapid execution, and engineering best practices
  • Continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen systems engineering processes, design methodologies, and technical standards

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred)
  • 3-12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience supporting flight or flight-like hardware
  • Demonstrated experience owning spacecraft-level requirements, architecture development, subsystem integration, and technical execution
  • Experience leading technical development through at least one major spacecraft design milestone (PDR or later)
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, power, thermal, and software interfaces
  • Experience developing system requirements, interface control documentation, verification plans, and technical baselines
  • Ability to serve as a technical authority within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience serving as a Lead Systems Engineer or technical lead on a spacecraft development program
  • Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security space programs
  • Deep technical background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design
  • Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and flight operations
  • Familiarity with mission assurance, technical risk management, and systems engineering best practices
  • Experience using requirements and configuration management tools such as Jama, DOORS, JIRA, and Confluence
  • Working knowledge of CAD tools such as Creo or SolidWorks and multidisciplinary engineering principles across structural, thermal, and fluid systems
  • Programming or mission analysis experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools
  • Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one

Compensation and location

Base salary: $110,000 to $220,000. Competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Work locations: Rockville, MD; Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO.

US person 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.