Spacecraft Mission Systems Engineer

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

About The Position

Who We’re Looking For Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in orbit. Our high-delta-V spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions where propulsion capability and rapid execution matter. We are hiring a Spacecraft Mission Systems Engineer to serve as a technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. This is not a paperwork-only systems role. You will operate as a program technical lead, driving requirements, interfaces, design maturity, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and mission operations. We are looking for someone deeply technical, systems-minded, hardware-grounded, and comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams through high-stakes design reviews. Where You’ll Make an Impact Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept, design, integration, and flight readiness Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements, and interface control across all subsystems Drive major trade studies (propulsion, power, mass, mission design, payload integration) with clear engineering judgment Serve as a key technical interface to customers, government stakeholders, and mission partners Lead internal and external reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR Establish and enforce verification and validation strategy for both hardware and flight software Support hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental test, and launch campaign readiness Mentor engineers and raise the bar on technical rigor, execution speed, and engineering standards

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or similar field (M.S. preferred)
10+ years of spacecraft systems engineering experience on flight or flight-like hardware
Demonstrated ownership of spacecraft-level requirements, architecture, and subsystem integration
Experience leading technical execution through at least one major milestone (PDR or beyond)
Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, especially propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC interfaces
Ability to operate as a technical authority in a fast-moving, build-and-fly environment
Excellent communication skills, able to lead engineers, brief executives, and interface with customers
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

Former Lead Systems Engineer, or technical lead for a spacecraft program
Experience with DoD space programs, or national security missions
Deep background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high-delta-V mission design
Hands-on experience supporting integration, environmental test, and flight operations
Familiarity with mission assurance, risk management, and technical standards enforcement
Active clearance or eligibility is a plus
Requirements and configuration tools (Jama, DOORS, JIRA, Confluence)
CAD familiarity (Creo or SolidWorks) and strong engineering intuition across thermal, structural, and fluids domains
Mission analysis and engineering programming skills (Python or MATLAB) strongly valued

Responsibilities

Own spacecraft-level technical execution across concept, design, integration, and flight readiness
Lead end-to-end system architecture, requirements, and interface control across all subsystems
Drive major trade studies (propulsion, power, mass, mission design, payload integration) with clear engineering judgment
Serve as a key technical interface to customers, government stakeholders, and mission partners
Lead internal and external reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
Establish and enforce verification and validation strategy for both hardware and flight software
Support hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental test, and launch campaign readiness
Mentor engineers and raise the bar on technical rigor, execution speed, and engineering standards