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Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Rockville, MD

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

Compensation: $180,000 to $220,000 Annual Salary

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.

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