Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly technical and systems-minded Spacecraft Systems Engineer to serve as the technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. In this role, you will lead spacecraft-level systems engineering activities, driving requirements development, interface management, design integration, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and mission operations.

You will play a critical role in ensuring technical excellence throughout the spacecraft lifecycle while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and mission stakeholders. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep spacecraft systems expertise with strong technical leadership and a passion for building and flying innovative space vehicles.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept development, design, integration, test, and flight readiness
• Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements development, interface management, and configuration across all spacecraft subsystems
• Conduct and lead system-level trade studies involving propulsion, power, mass properties, mission design, payload integration, and overall vehicle performance
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, mission partners, and internal program leadership
• Lead 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)
• Develop and execute spacecraft verification and validation strategies for both flight hardware and software
• Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
• Collaborate across propulsion, avionics, structures, software, GNC, manufacturing, and mission operations teams to ensure successful system integration
• Mentor engineers while promoting technical rigor, rapid execution, and engineering best practices
• Support multiple spacecraft development efforts in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen systems engineering processes, design methodologies, and technical standards

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred)
• 3–12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience supporting flight or flight-like hardware
• Demonstrated experience owning spacecraft-level requirements, architecture development, subsystem integration, and technical execution
• Experience leading technical development through at least one major spacecraft design milestone (PDR or later)
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, power, thermal, and software interfaces
• Experience developing system requirements, interface control documentation, verification plans, and technical baselines
• Ability to serve as a technical authority within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience serving as a Lead Systems Engineer or technical lead on a spacecraft development program
• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security space programs
• Deep technical background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design
• Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and flight operations
• Familiarity with mission assurance, technical risk management, and systems engineering best practices
• Experience using requirements and configuration management tools such as Jama, DOORS, JIRA, and Confluence
• Working knowledge of CAD tools such as Creo or SolidWorks and multidisciplinary engineering principles across structural, thermal, and fluid systems
• Programming or mission analysis experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the technical development of advanced spacecraft from mission concept through launch and flight operations
• Innovation – Help develop next-generation spacecraft that redefine mobility and maneuverability in space
• Impact – Work on mission-critical programs supporting national security, civil, and commercial space customers
• Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and continuous innovation
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO

Base Salary: $110,000 to $220,000

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.