Your space-enabled career begins here

Position: Spacecraft Systems Engineer – Quantum Space
Location: Rockville, MD
Commitment: Full-time, all-in

Who We’re Looking For

Quantum Space is leading the way in space mobility, building high-autonomy, long-duration spacecraft to extend humanity’s reach beyond Earth orbit. We’re seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to architect, integrate, and lead the development of spaceflight systems from concept to launch—and beyond.

In this role, you will work cradle-to-grave on spacecraft programs, taking ownership from initial requirements definition through detailed design, integration, testing, and mission operations. You’ll develop technical budgets, drive system-level trades, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure system-level performance and verification for flight missions across civil, commercial, and national security sectors.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

System Engineering Leadership

• Develop and maintain spacecraft system requirements, interface definitions, performance budgets, and CONOPS.
• Lead architecture development, mission analysis, and design trades to optimize system performance across subsystems.
• Coordinate system-level technical execution, including flow-down to subsystem teams, schedule planning, and risk management.
• Serve as the technical lead through all lifecycle phases—from early design through I&T and into mission ops.

Verification, Test, and Integration

• Own the system verification plan: establish requirements traceability, define verification methods, and drive end-to-end V&V.
• Support environmental test planning and execution, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, and integrated functional testing.
• Analyze test data and correlate system models to flight and ground results.
• Lead resolution of integration and test anomalies, including system-level troubleshooting and corrective action planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface with GNC, thermal, propulsion, avionics, comms, software, and payload teams to deliver integrated system solutions.
• Collaborate with program management, mission ops, and customers to align technical development with program goals.
• Contribute to proposal writing, technical reviews, and customer-facing documentation.

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
• 8-10+ years of experience/education supporting spacecraft or satellite development programs.
• Proven experience in system architecture, technical budgeting, and requirements definition.
• Strong understanding of key spacecraft subsystems: ADCS, EPS, thermal, C&DH, comms, and propulsion.
• Hands-on experience with system integration and environmental testing.
• Experience supporting spaceflight programs across their full lifecycle—from early concept to on-orbit operations.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or STK for analysis and simulation.
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, JAMA, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and documentation skills with the ability to drive technical discussions across diverse teams.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience supporting deep space, GEO, or cislunar missions.
• Prior involvement in satellite operations or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience with fault management and spacecraft autonomy systems.
• Background in rapid development or responsive space programs.

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Drive the technical development of Quantum’s spacecraft systems.
• Innovation – Help define system architectures for next-generation space missions.
• Impact – Deliver critical platforms that support scientific, civil, and national security space objectives.
• Growth – Be a leader on a mission-driven, high-performance engineering team.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and top-tier benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Additional Requirements

To conform to 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 spacecraft systems that push the boundaries of space operations.