Spacecraft Systems Engineer

<p><strong>Who We’re Looking For</strong><br>Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in orbit. Our high-delta-V spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions where propulsion capability and rapid execution matter.</p> <p>We are hiring a <strong>Spacecraft Systems Engineer</strong> to serve as a technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. This is not a paperwork-only systems role. You will operate as a program technical lead, driving requirements, interfaces, design maturity, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and mission operations.</p> <p>We are looking for someone deeply technical, systems-minded, hardware-grounded, and comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams through high-stakes design reviews.</p> <p><strong>Where You’ll Make an Impact</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept, design, integration, and flight readiness</li> <li>Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements, and interface control across all subsystems</li> <li>Drive major trade studies (propulsion, power, mass, mission design, payload integration) with clear engineering judgment</li> <li>Serve as a key technical interface to customers, government stakeholders, and mission partners</li> <li>Lead internal and external reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR</li> <li>Establish and enforce verification and validation strategy for both hardware and flight software</li> <li>Support hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental test, and launch campaign readiness</li> <li>Mentor engineers and raise the bar on technical rigor, execution speed, and engineering standards</li> </ul> <p><strong>What It Takes&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>B.S. in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar field (M.S. preferred)</li> <li>3 to 12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience on flight or flight-like hardware</li> <li>Demonstrated ownership of spacecraft-level requirements, architecture, and subsystem integration</li> <li>Experience leading technical execution through at least one major milestone (PDR or beyond)</li> <li>Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, especially propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC interfaces</li> <li>Ability to operate as a technical authority in a fast-moving, build-and-fly environment</li> <li>Excellent communication skills, able to lead engineers, brief executives, and interface with customers</li> </ul> <p><strong>Strongly Preferred Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>Former Lead Systems Engineer, or technical lead for a spacecraft program</li> <li>Experience with DoD space programs, or national security missions</li> <li>Deep background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design</li> <li>Hands-on experience supporting integration, environmental test, and flight operations</li> <li>Familiarity with mission assurance, risk management, and technical standards enforcement</li> <li>Active clearance or eligibility is a plus</li> </ul> <p><strong>Tools and Technical Breadth</strong></p> <ul> <li>Requirements and configuration tools (Jama, DOORS, JIRA, Confluence)</li> <li>CAD familiarity (Creo or SolidWorks) and strong engineering intuition across thermal, structural, and fluids domains</li> <li>Mission analysis and engineering programming skills (Python or MATLAB) strongly valued</li> </ul> <p><strong>Why Quantum Space</strong></p> <ul> <li>Build spacecraft that actually fly, rapidly and repeatedly</li> <li>Own real technical authority, not just process</li> <li>Work with a team pushing the frontier of high-mobility space logistics</li> <li>Competitive compensation, equity, and top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing</li> </ul> <p><strong>Location:&nbsp;</strong>Rockville, MD</p> <p><strong>Base Salary: </strong>$110,000 to $220,000&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Export Compliance Requirement</strong><br>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.</p> <p>Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.</p>