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Spacecraft Ground Software Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA

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 skilled Spacecraft Ground Software Engineer II to lead the development, integration, and operational support of software systems that enable spacecraft testing, mission operations, and real-time ground communications.

This role is ideal for an experienced software engineer who thrives at the intersection of distributed systems, mission operations, infrastructure, and real-time data processing. You will play a key role in building the software platforms and operational tooling that support spacecraft integration, command and telemetry workflows, and mission readiness throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

You will work closely with flight software, AI&T, mission operations, avionics, and systems engineering teams to develop scalable and reliable ground software solutions that support both integration and on-orbit operations.

Where You’ll Make an Impact 

  • You get to build the architecture upon which the ground software will be run
  • Your work directly impacts safety, reliability, and the mission's success
  • Ground software touches each part of the mission from testing to on-orbit operations
  • You will own major pieces of the architecture end-to-end
  • You have the opportunity to influence coding standards, architecture, and how we operate as a team
  • You get mission-critical responsibility that will support mission operations long after the first launch

What It Takes 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of professional experience in full-stack software development, including deployment to production or operational environments
  • Strong understanding of networking, data routing, and communication protocols
  • Experience working with message buses, APIs, and real-time data pipelines
  • Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and/or equivalent on-premises environments
  • Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices
  • Proficiency with relational and/or non-relational databases
  • Understanding of ground system architectures, interfaces, and distributed systems
  • Strong version-control practices using modern source-control workflows
  • Experience contributing to requirements development, verification, and traceability
  • Experience developing and executing software and system-level tests
  • Proficiency with Linux environments, command-line workflows, and Bash scripting
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to communicate operational impacts of technical decisions
  • Strong documentation practices across operational procedures, interfaces, and system architecture
  • Ability and willingness to support on-call rotations or real-time operational events during critical mission activities
  • Experience leading end-to-end system development efforts from design through deployment and operational support

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience developing ground segment, mission-control, or spacecraft operations software
  • Understanding of spacecraft command and telemetry systems
  • Familiarity with spacecraft operations tools such as Grafana or other monitoring and data-visualization platforms
  • Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence
  • Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Familiarity with distributed systems and high-availability architectures
  • Experience supporting operational or mission-critical environments
  • Exposure to aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems domains
  • Experience with Python, Go, Java, C++, or similar backend technologies

What You’ll Get

  • Ownership – Lead the development of mission-critical ground software that supports spacecraft integration, testing, command and telemetry, and on-orbit operations from concept through deployment.
  • Innovation – Build scalable software platforms, distributed systems, and operational tools that power the next generation of spacecraft missions and enable reliable space operations.
  • Impact – Develop the software infrastructure that connects engineering, integration, and mission operations teams, directly contributing to the success of every spacecraft mission.
  • Growth – Expand your expertise in ground systems, mission operations, cloud infrastructure, and distributed software while influencing technical architecture, engineering standards, and the future of Quantum Space’s software ecosystem.
  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Hawthorne, CA 

Base Salary: $120,000 to $150,000 

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.

 

 

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