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Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics)

Rockville, MD or 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 an experienced and technically driven Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics) to lead avionics subsystem development for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. In this role, you will drive spacecraft avionics architecture, subsystem requirements, electrical interface definition, integration planning, and hardware execution across complex spacecraft development programs.

You will serve as a key technical leader working closely with propulsion, power, RF communications, flight software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), payload, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to develop robust, highly reliable avionics architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility spacecraft missions. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong systems thinking and enjoys leading cross-functional engineering efforts from concept through flight.

You'll Make an Impact

  • Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from early architecture through integration, qualification, and flight readiness

  • Derive avionics subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining full requirements traceability throughout development

  • Author and maintain spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinate subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary engineering teams

  • Define, manage, and validate spacecraft electrical interfaces across avionics, power, propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payload, and flight software subsystems

  • Drive resolution of complex technical integration issues while maintaining spacecraft-level electrical compatibility, redundancy, and operational integrity

  • Perform make-versus-buy trade studies supporting avionics hardware architecture, component selection, and procurement strategies

  • Manage avionics hardware development schedules, vendor coordination, hardware deliveries, and subsystem integration milestones

  • Develop avionics integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem verification, vehicle integration, environmental qualification, and flight readiness

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

  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure avionics architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, fault tolerance, and operational objectives

  • Participate in 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)

  • Lead anomaly investigations, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis efforts supporting spacecraft avionics throughout development and integration

  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen avionics development processes, interface management, and system integration methodologies

What It Takes

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline

  • 7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems or other complex aerospace electronics

  • Demonstrated experience deriving subsystem requirements and defining spacecraft electrical interfaces

  • Experience authoring spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinating Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary teams

  • Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical architectures and subsystem interactions across avionics, power, software, communications, propulsion, and payload systems

  • Experience with spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422, RS-485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, discrete I/O, and related protocols

  • Strong systems-level engineering mindset with experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution

  • Excellent organizational, analytical, technical communication, and cross-functional leadership skills

  • Comfortable operating within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment with high ownership and execution expectations

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline

  • Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payloads, and electrical power systems

  • Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T), including subsystem- and vehicle-level environmental qualification

  • Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations following launch and deployment

  • Experience leading schematic reviews, PCB design reviews, and hardware peer reviews

  • Deep understanding of spacecraft avionics redundancy architectures, fault management strategies, and graceful degradation approaches

  • Experience supporting reliability engineering, radiation effects analysis, EMI/EMC compliance, and fault-tolerant spacecraft design

  • Experience managing spacecraft avionics hardware vendors, subcontractors, and external development partners

  • Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security and defense-related spacecraft programs

What You'll Get

  • Ownership – Lead the development and integration of mission-critical spacecraft avionics architectures supporting advanced Ranger missions

  • Innovation – Shape next-generation spacecraft electrical interface architectures and avionics integration strategies enabling high-mobility space operations

  • Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready avionics systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions

  • Growth – Operate at the center of spacecraft development while influencing vehicle-level architecture, integration, and mission execution

  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $125,000–$175,000

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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