Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (RF Comms)

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 (RF Communications) to lead RF communications subsystem development for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. In this role, you will drive RF communications architecture, subsystem requirements, interface definition, hardware integration, and end-to-end communications system development across complex spacecraft programs.

You will work closely with avionics, power, payload, flight software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), thermal, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to develop highly reliable communications architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility missions for national security, civil, and commercial space applications. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep RF communications expertise with strong systems thinking and enjoys leading multidisciplinary engineering efforts from concept through flight.

You'll Make an Impact

• Lead RF communications subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from architecture definition through integration, qualification, and flight readiness

• Derive RF communications subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining complete requirements traceability throughout development

• Define and manage RF subsystem electrical and operational interfaces across avionics, payload, GNC, power, and flight software systems

• Author and maintain RF communications Interface Control Documents (ICDs) while supporting spacecraft-level Electrical Interface Control Document (EICD) coordination

• Resolve complex RF integration challenges involving signal integrity, interface compatibility, EMI/EMC, redundancy, and operational performance

• Lead communications architecture trade studies involving radios, amplifiers, antennas, RF routing, frequency planning, and link performance optimization

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

• Coordinate RF hardware vendors, suppliers, and schedule-critical hardware deliveries throughout subsystem development

• Develop and maintain RF link budgets, communications performance models, and operational analyses throughout the spacecraft lifecycle

• Author RF subsystem integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem verification, vehicle integration, environmental qualification, and mission readiness

• Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and on-orbit anomaly resolution

• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure communications architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, operational flexibility, and long-duration mission 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)

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen RF communications architecture, integration processes, and technical standards

What It Takes

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

• 7+ years of experience developing spacecraft RF communications subsystems or other complex aerospace communications systems

• Experience deriving spacecraft communications subsystem requirements and defining multidisciplinary electrical and operational interfaces

• Strong understanding of spacecraft RF communications architectures and subsystem integration

• Experience authoring subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and coordinating interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Strong understanding of RF engineering principles including link budgets, signal integrity, RF routing, antenna systems, frequency planning, and communications performance analysis

• Experience supporting RF hardware integration, debugging, testing, and anomaly resolution

• Experience coordinating hardware vendors and component suppliers supporting communications subsystem development

• Proficiency with RF laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, and RF measurement techniques

• Strong systems-level understanding across spacecraft avionics, payload, power, software, and operational interfaces

• Excellent analytical, technical communication, problem-solving, 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 avionics, payloads, propulsion, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), 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 using industry-standard ECAD tools including Cadence, Altium Designer, or equivalent

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

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

What You'll Get

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

• Innovation – Drive next-generation RF communications technologies enabling high-mobility spacecraft operations

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

• Growth – Operate at the center of spacecraft development while influencing vehicle-level communications 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.