Test Conductor

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

6d•$75,000 - $105,000

About The Position

Quantum Space is seeking a technically capable, mission-focused Test Conductor to plan, execute, and coordinate testing of spacecraft flight hardware, software, and space defense systems. The Test Conductor is the central point of coordination during integrated test activities, ensuring test objectives are achieved safely and efficiently in accordance with approved procedures and mission requirements. The role works across systems engineering, hardware, software, integration, operations, and mission assurance, supporting subsystem engineering teams through complex spacecraft and subsystem test campaigns. It requires rigorous configuration control, procedural discipline, and real-time situational awareness in hands-on test environments. The position contributes to verifying the readiness of mission-critical spacecraft and space defense systems for demanding operational environments. It is based in Rockville, Maryland; Hawthorne, California; or Denver, Colorado. The stated base salary range is $75,000–$105,000, with equity and comprehensive benefits also described.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
2–5+ years of professional experience supporting aerospace, defense, spacecraft, launch vehicle, missile, avionics, satellite, or other complex high-reliability systems.
Experience planning, executing, or supporting integrated hardware and/or software test operations.
Ability to understand complex system architectures, interfaces, operational sequences, and test configurations.
Experience developing, reviewing, and executing technical test plans and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, interface control documents, requirements, telemetry definitions, and technical documentation.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to coordinate technical teams during time-sensitive test operations.
Demonstrated ability to maintain procedural discipline and configuration control while operating complex hardware.
Strong verbal communication skills and confidence directing multidisciplinary teams during test execution.
Ability to clearly communicate test status, technical issues, risks, and decisions to engineers, program leadership, and mission stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing procedures, test configurations, data, and discrepancy documentation.
Comfort working hands-on with flight hardware, ground support equipment, test instrumentation, and spacecraft systems.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment where test results directly influence hardware and software development.
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, missile defense, or national security space test operations.
Experience serving as a Test Conductor, Test Director, Test Engineer, Mission Operations Engineer, Integration & Test Engineer, or in a similar technical leadership role.
Familiarity with spacecraft avionics, propulsion, electrical power, communications, guidance/navigation/control, flight software, and command and telemetry systems.
Experience with spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) or Integration, Verification, and Validation (IV&V).
Experience supporting mission simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or integrated system testing.
Familiarity with spacecraft command and telemetry systems, ground software, automated test systems, and telemetry visualization tools.
Experience with environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, and EMI/EMC testing.
Experience supporting launch site operations, spacecraft commissioning, mission operations, or on-orbit testing.
Programming or test automation experience using Python, MATLAB, Bash, or similar scripting languages.
Familiarity with communication interfaces and protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, RS-485, SpaceWire, LVDS, MIL-STD-1553, I2C, or SPI.
Experience with requirements management, verification matrices, discrepancy reporting, configuration management, and test data review.
Familiarity with failure review boards, anomaly resolution processes, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
Experience working with U.S. Government, DoD, Space Force, Intelligence Community, Missile Defense Agency, or other national security customers.
Active or prior U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Support and conduct spacecraft, subsystem, and integrated system test activities from pre-test readiness through execution, anomaly resolution, and test closeout.
Develop, review, and execute detailed test procedures, test plans, test scripts, and operational sequences.
Design, develop, and/or modify test and data display pages showing essential command, status, and safety data for testing, launch, and potentially on-orbit operations.
Support development, integration, and testing of spacecraft and ground support systems.
Attend pre-test briefings and verify test roles, communication protocols, and readiness of personnel, hardware, software, facilities, and instrumentation.
Perform real-time test execution, including procedural steps, holds, aborts, redlines, configuration changes, and recovery activities.
Monitor spacecraft and ground-system telemetry, test equipment, system health, limits, and performance during test operations.
Maintain configuration control and ensure correct hardware, software, firmware, procedures, and ground support equipment are used throughout test execution.
Assist with troubleshooting and anomaly investigation with subsystem subject matter experts while maintaining safe system configurations.
Document test results, anomalies, procedural deviations, configuration changes, and lessons learned.
Support spacecraft integration, functional testing, mission simulations, environmental testing, and launch or mission readiness activities.
Participate in Test Readiness Reviews, design reviews, mission readiness reviews, failure investigations, and technical assessments.
Support environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC campaigns.
Collaborate with systems engineering to verify requirements, maintain test traceability, and complete verification objectives.
Support development and improvement of test infrastructure, ground support equipment, automation, telemetry displays, and test processes.
Help establish disciplined test operations that enable rapid work without compromising mission assurance, personnel safety, or hardware integrity.