Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (RF Comms)

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

3d•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 – Spacecraft Programs (RF Communications) to lead RF communications subsystem development for Ranger spacecraft programs. This role is intended for an experienced spacecraft communications engineer capable of driving subsystem architecture, RF interface definition, hardware integration, and end-to-end communications system development across complex spacecraft platforms. You will work closely with avionics, power, payload, flight software, GNC, thermal, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to develop reliable spacecraft communications architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility missions across national security, civil, and commercial applications.

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
7+ years of experience developing spacecraft RF communications subsystems
Experience deriving spacecraft communications subsystem requirements and interface definitions
Strong understanding of spacecraft RF communications architectures and subsystem integration considerations
Experience authoring subsystem ICDs and coordinating multidisciplinary electrical and operational interfaces
Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including link budgets, signal integrity, RF routing, antenna systems, and communications performance analysis
Experience supporting RF hardware integration, debugging, and anomaly resolution activities
Experience coordinating hardware vendors and component suppliers supporting communications subsystem development
Knowledge of RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, and RF measurement techniques
Strong systems-level awareness across spacecraft avionics, payload, power, software, and operational interfaces
Strong technical communication, analytical, 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 avionics, 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 using industry standard ECAD tools (Cadence, Altium)
Experience supporting reliability, radiation, and EMI/EMC considerations at both hardware and spacecraft system levels
Experience supporting national security or defense-related spacecraft communications programs

Responsibilities

Lead RF communications subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from architecture definition through integration and flight readiness
Derive RF communications subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining requirement traceability throughout development
Define and coordinate RF subsystem electrical and operational interfaces across avionics, payload, GNC, power, and flight software subsystems
Author and maintain RF communications Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and support spacecraft-level EICD coordination efforts
Drive technical resolution of RF integration challenges involving signal integrity, interface compatibility, EMC/EMI, redundancy, and operational constraints
Support communications architecture trades involving radios, amplifiers, RF routing, frequency planning, and link performance optimization
Perform make-versus-buy trades supporting RF communications hardware procurement and subsystem architecture decisions
Coordinate with hardware vendors and external suppliers supporting communications hardware development and schedule-critical deliveries
Support development and maintenance of RF link budgets, communications performance models, and operational analyses throughout the spacecraft lifecycle
Author RF subsystem integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem validation, vehicle integration, environmental testing, and mission readiness activities
Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign readiness, and on-orbit troubleshooting activities
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure RF architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, operational flexibility, and long-duration mission objectives
Participate in major spacecraft reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR activities