Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics)

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

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 – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics) to lead avionics subsystem development for Ranger spacecraft programs. This role is intended for an experienced spacecraft avionics engineer capable of driving subsystem architecture, requirements definition, interface coordination, integration planning, and hardware execution across complex multidisciplinary spacecraft programs. You will work closely with propulsion, power, RF communications, flight software, GNC, payload, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to develop and integrate highly reliable avionics architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility spacecraft missions.

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems
Experience deriving spacecraft avionics subsystem requirements and interface definitions
Experience authoring spacecraft-level EICDs and coordinating subsystem ICDs across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical interface requirements and subsystem interactions
Knowledge of common spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, Discrete IO, and related protocols
Strong systems-level awareness across spacecraft avionics, power, communications, software, and payload integration domains
Experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution activities
Strong organizational, technical communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
Comfortable operating in fast-paced spacecraft development environments with high ownership and execution expectations
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 technical field
Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payloads, and electrical power systems
Experience supporting spacecraft AI&T activities including vehicle-level and component-level environmental testing
Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations activities post-deployment
Experience leading hardware design reviews including schematic and PCB layout reviews
Deep understanding of spacecraft avionics redundancy architectures and fault management approaches
Experience supporting reliability, radiation, EMI/EMC, and fault-tolerance considerations at both hardware and system levels
Experience managing or coordinating spacecraft avionics hardware vendors and external suppliers
Experience supporting national security or defense-related spacecraft programs

Responsibilities

Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from early architecture through integration and flight readiness
Derive avionics subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements and ensure traceability throughout development
Author and maintain spacecraft-level Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinate subsystem ICD development across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Define and manage spacecraft electrical interfaces across avionics, power, propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payload, and flight software subsystems
Drive resolution of technical integration issues across subsystem boundaries while maintaining vehicle-level electrical compatibility and operational integrity
Perform make-versus-buy trades supporting avionics hardware architecture and procurement decisions
Support management of avionics hardware development schedules, vendor coordination, hardware deliveries, and subsystem integration milestones
Author spacecraft avionics integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem validation, vehicle integration, environmental testing, and flight readiness
Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, and launch campaign activities
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure avionics architectures support mission reliability, redundancy, manufacturability, and operational objectives
Participate in major spacecraft design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR activities
Support anomaly investigation, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis efforts across spacecraft avionics systems