Electrical Engineer III - Advanced Programs

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

21h•Onsite

About The Position

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. We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Electrical Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft electrical systems and defense-related space technologies. In this role, you will contribute to spacecraft avionics, communications, power systems, embedded electronics, and hardware integration activities while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. You will work hands-on with cutting-edge aerospace hardware in a fast-paced environment supporting national security and spaceflight missions. We are seeking an Electrical Engineer III to lead the development of specialized spacecraft electronics hardware supporting next-generation Ranger missions. This role is intended for an experienced hardware engineer capable of taking conceptual designs from early prototyping through flight-qualified delivery while operating across multidisciplinary spacecraft development efforts. You will work closely with systems, mechanical, thermal, propulsion, FPGA, and flight software teams to develop high-reliability electronics hardware for demanding long-duration missions. This is a hands-on technical role focused on execution, hardware ownership, and rapid iteration in support of mission-critical spacecraft systems.

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
7+ years of experience developing electronics hardware for MEO/GEO spacecraft environments
Strong proficiency with industry-standard ECAD tools such as Cadence or Altium
Strong analog, digital, and power electronics design capability
Direct experience integrating AMD and Microsemi FPGA-based systems
Experience designing mixed-signal, timing-critical, multi-layer PCBs
Experience leading schematic and hardware design reviews
Strong understanding of design-for-manufacture (DFM) principles and hardware production workflows
Experience designing for spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, Discrete IO, I2C, SPI, and related protocols
Experience managing PCB(A) manufacturers and external vendors supporting hardware fabrication and assembly
Ability to derive component- and assembly-level requirements from subsystem or spacecraft-level requirements
Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and hardware integration capability
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment
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.

Nice To Haves

M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
Knowledge of spacecraft propulsion system architectures and propulsion electronics development
Direct experience developing DC-DC converter topologies including Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost designs
Deep understanding of spacecraft load-switch design and optimization
Experience designing high-power spacecraft electronics systems
Experience supporting or leading spacecraft electronics qualification campaigns including TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
Knowledge of spacecraft design lifecycle activities and vehicle-level integration operations
Familiarity with radiation-hardened component selection and qualification practices
Experience supporting mission-critical national security or defense-related space programs

Responsibilities

Lead development of specialized spacecraft electronics hardware from concept, prototype, qualification, and flight delivery
Design and develop analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics supporting Ranger spacecraft platforms
Own schematic capture, PCB architecture, layout oversight, bring-up, troubleshooting, and hardware validation activities
Develop timing-critical, multi-layer PCB designs for high-reliability spacecraft applications
Collaborate closely with systems, thermal, propulsion, FPGA, software, and mechanical engineering teams to define and integrate spacecraft electronics architectures
Support FPGA integration activities utilizing AMD and Microsemi devices
Lead schematic reviews, design trade studies, and hardware architecture decisions across advanced spacecraft programs
Develop electronics solutions supporting spacecraft communications, avionics, propulsion, and power distribution systems
Apply EEE component derating methodologies and reliability best practices for spaceflight hardware in accordance with INST-002 requirements
Drive design-for-manufacture (DFM) considerations throughout development to support efficient production and high-quality flight hardware delivery
Manage PCB and PCBA manufacturing vendors in support of schedule-critical hardware builds
Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, anomaly resolution, and flight hardware qualification campaigns
Participate in major development reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR activities
Develop and maintain technical documentation including schematics, interface control documents, requirements, verification artifacts, and test procedures