Director of Avionics

Quantum Space•Hawthorne, CA

About The Position

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system. We are seeking a Director of Avionics to own the technical vision, development, and delivery of flight avionics across current spacecraft and future vehicle platforms. This is a senior technical leadership role for an engineer who can define architecture, scale teams, and remain deeply engaged with the hardware and software that fly. You will lead avionics from early mission formulation through launch and on-orbit operations while building systems and organizations that scale with Quantum Space’s growth.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
10+ years of experience developing spacecraft, launch vehicle, or high-reliability aerospace avionics.
Demonstrated experience leading and scaling engineering teams responsible for flight hardware and embedded software.
Strong background in avionics architecture, digital and analog electronics, embedded systems, and system integration.
Experience owning avionics systems through the full mission life cycle, including design, test, launch, and operations.
Experience working with industry-standard protocols such as I2C, SPI, RS422, CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet, CCSDS, and similar.
Ability to balance deep technical engagement with program execution and people leadership.
Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with aggressive schedules and high stakes.

Nice To Haves

Background in propulsion avionics, safety-critical control electronics, or vehicle control systems.
Exposure to radiation-tolerant design practices and spaceflight qualification standards.
Involvement in production ramp-up, fleet manufacturing, or constellation-scale programs.
Familiarity with on-orbit autonomy, fault management architectures, or advanced health monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical and organizational leader for all spacecraft and vehicle avionics systems.
Define and execute the avionics architecture, roadmap, and long-term technical strategy.
Build, mentor, and scale a multidisciplinary avionics organization spanning hardware, embedded software, FPGA, power systems, and integration and test.
Architect and oversee development of: Flight computers and command & data handling systems Embedded and real-time software FPGA, SoC, and high-reliability processing architectures Electrical power systems, including batteries, regulation, and distribution Propulsion control electronics and safety-critical controllers
Drive system-level design decisions related to redundancy, fault tolerance, radiation strategy, autonomy, and electrical/data interfaces.
Establish development, verification, and qualification processes that balance speed, rigor, and flight reliability.
Lead avionics integration across spacecraft, payloads, propulsion systems, and ground systems.
Own avionics flight readiness, including technical reviews, risk posture, anomaly resolution, and mission assurance.
Partner with manufacturing and supply chain to define part strategies, vendor relationships, make-or-buy decisions, and production scaling plans.
Support launch campaigns, mission operations, and on-orbit anomaly response as the accountable avionics authority.
Represent avionics leadership in program reviews, executive forums, and external technical engagements.

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

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