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Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, Maryland or Hawthorne, California

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 Software Systems Engineer III to lead the development of spacecraft software architectures, mission operations capabilities, and system-level engineering solutions for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. In this role, you will bridge software engineering and systems engineering disciplines, driving technical solutions from early concept development through spacecraft integration, mission execution, and on-orbit operations.

You will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for software architecture, systems engineering, interface definition, verification, and deployment of advanced spacecraft software and mission systems. Working closely with flight software, ground software, autonomy, mission operations, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), communications, and spacecraft subsystem teams, you will help develop robust software architectures that enable reliable, autonomous, and mission-ready spacecraft operations. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep software expertise with strong systems engineering skills and enjoys leading multidisciplinary technical efforts across the full spacecraft lifecycle.

You'll Make an Impact

  • Lead the architecture and design of spacecraft software and system-level solutions supporting Ranger spacecraft programs

  • Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, technical baselines, verification plans, and traceability throughout the development lifecycle

  • Define and manage interfaces between Flight Software (FSW), Ground Software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware

  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful software integration, system validation, and mission execution

  • Partner with experts across flight software, autonomy, mission operations, GNC, communications, avionics, and spacecraft systems to deliver integrated mission capabilities

  • Support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational readiness of spacecraft software systems

  • Conduct system architecture trade studies, technical assessments, and design analyses supporting program objectives

  • Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, architecture evaluations, and engineering decision processes

  • Support mission planning, concept of operations (ConOps) development, spacecraft operational readiness, and mission execution planning

  • Mentor engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices, software quality, and technical excellence

  • Support customer interactions, executive briefings, design reviews, and technical presentations

  • Drive resolution of complex technical issues across software and spacecraft systems throughout the product lifecycle

  • Contribute directly to software development, integration, and engineering activities as required

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen software architecture, systems engineering processes, and mission execution capabilities

What It Takes

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

  • 8+ years of relevant engineering experience, including software development for aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems

  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex spacecraft or aerospace systems

  • Experience developing Flight Software (FSW) and supporting spacecraft software architectures

  • Experience designing large-scale software systems and distributed software architectures

  • Experience managing interfaces between Flight Software (FSW), Ground Software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware

  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles including requirements development, interface management, verification, validation, and configuration management

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts across software and hardware engineering organizations

  • Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, launch preparation, and/or mission operations

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical communication, and presentation skills

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across diverse technical disciplines

  • Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience supporting spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)

  • Experience developing autonomous spacecraft capabilities, autonomous mission execution concepts, or intelligent mission planning systems

  • Experience with Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), autonomous navigation systems, orbital guidance, or propulsive maneuver planning

  • Experience working within fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space startup environments

  • Advanced systems engineering experience including requirements management, interface control, and verification planning

  • Experience applying AI-enabled software engineering tools, model-based engineering techniques, or automated development workflows

  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through rapid product development cycles

  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems, spacecraft architectures, and vehicle-level systems integration

What You'll Get

  • Ownership – Lead the architecture, integration, and deployment of mission-critical spacecraft software and system-level capabilities

  • Innovation – Help develop advanced autonomous spacecraft technologies, mission operations systems, and next-generation space infrastructure

  • Impact – Deliver software and mission systems that enable national security, civil, and commercial space missions

  • Growth – Work alongside experts in software, autonomy, mission operations, spacecraft systems, and flight programs while helping shape the future of Quantum Space engineering

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

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $160,000–$200,000

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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