Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Company Overview 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.

You’ll Make an Impact Own spacecraft‑level technical execution across concept development, design, integration, test, and flight readiness

Lead end‑to‑end system architecture, requirements development, interface management, and configuration across all spacecraft subsystems

Conduct and lead system‑level trade studies involving propulsion, power, mass properties, mission design, payload integration, and overall vehicle performance

Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, mission partners, and internal program leadership

Lead 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)

Develop and execute spacecraft verification and validation strategies for both flight hardware and software

Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness

Collaborate across propulsion, avionics, structures, software, GNC, manufacturing, and mission operations teams to ensure successful system integration

Mentor engineers while promoting technical rigor, rapid execution, and engineering best practices

Support multiple spacecraft development efforts in a dynamic, fast‑paced engineering environment

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen systems engineering processes, design methodologies, and technical standards

What It Takes 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

Nice‑to‑Have Experience 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

What You’ll Get Ownership – Lead the technical development of advanced spacecraft from mission concept through launch and flight operations

Innovation – Help develop next‑generation spacecraft that redefine mobility and maneuverability in space

Impact – Work on mission‑critical programs supporting national security, civil, and commercial space customers

Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and continuous innovation

Compensation – 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

Base Salary $110,000 to $220,000

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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