Senior Systems Engineer (Engineer III)

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Quantum Space, located in Rockville, Maryland, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer (Engineer III) to support the development of advanced spacecraft systems, mission operations capabilities, and autonomous space architecture. This role is ideal for an experienced systems engineer who can lead software and systems architecture efforts, collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines, and drive technical solutions from concept through operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, architecture, integration, and verification of spacecraft software and system-level capabilities, working closely with subject matter experts across flight software, ground software, guidance, navigation and control, autonomy, mission operations, and spacecraft subsystems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
8+ years of relevant engineering experience
Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex aerospace or spacecraft systems
Experience working with both Flight Software (FSW) and Ground Software (GSW) systems
Experience defining and managing software and hardware interfaces
Experience leading technical efforts across multiple engineering disciplines
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements development, verification, validation, and configuration management
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts (SME) across diverse technical domains
Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, and/or mission operations
Strong written and verbal communication skills
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

Experience in spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
Experience supporting autonomous spacecraft capabilities or autonomous mission execution concepts
Experience with Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), autonomous navigation systems, or propulsive maneuver planning and execution
Strong programming skills in C, C++, and/or Python
Experience with software architecture and large-scale software system design
Experience managing complex software interfaces and distributed system architectures
Experience in fast-paced aerospace, defense, or startup environments
Systems engineering experience including requirements management and verification planning
Experience applying AI-enabled engineering tools and workflows
Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through rapid development cycles
Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and spacecraft architecture development

Responsibilities

Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft software and system-level solutions
Develop and manage system requirements, interfaces, verification plans, and technical baselines
Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful system integration and mission execution
Collaborate with subject matter experts across software, spacecraft systems, mission operations, autonomy, navigation, and communications disciplines
Define and manage software interfaces between flight software (FSW), ground software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware
Support development, integration, testing, and deployment of spacecraft systems and software
Conduct system architecture trades and technical assessments to support program objectives
Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, and design decision processes
Support mission planning, operations concept development, and spacecraft operational readiness activities
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to systems engineering best practices and organizational standards
Support customer interactions, technical presentations, and executive-level program reviews
Drive resolution of complex technical issues throughout the development lifecycle