Test Conductor

Quantum Space•Denver, MD

2d•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. Who We're Looking For We are seeking a technically capable and mission-focused Test Conductor to support the planning, execution, and coordination of spacecraft flight hardware, software and space defense system testing. In this role, you will serve as the central point of coordination during integrated test activities, ensuring test objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures and mission requirements. You will work at the intersection of systems engineering, hardware, software, integration, operations, and mission assurance— supporting and collaborating with subsystem engineering teams through complex spacecraft and subsystem test campaigns while maintaining rigorous configuration control, procedural discipline, and real-time situational awareness. You will play a key role in verifying that mission-critical spacecraft and space defense systems are ready to perform in demanding operational environments. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in hands-on test environments, communicates clearly under pressure, and enjoys bringing multidisciplinary teams together to solve complex technical problems.

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 (ICDs), requirements, telemetry definitions, and technical documentation
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with 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, particularly when managing procedures, test configurations, data, and discrepancy documentation
Comfortable 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, including ITAR, 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 the 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 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 (computer screens showing essential command, status and safety data used during testing, launch, and potentially on-orbit).
Support the development, integration, and testing of spacecraft and Ground Support systems
Attend pre-test briefings, verify test roles and communication protocols, and verify personnel, hardware, software, facilities, and instrumentation are ready for test
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 the 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 (TRRs), design reviews, mission readiness reviews, failure investigations, and technical assessments
Support environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC campaigns
Collaborate with systems engineering to verify requirements, maintain test traceability, and ensure verification objectives are successfully completed
Support development and improvement of test infrastructure, ground support equipment, automation, telemetry displays, and test processes
Help establish disciplined test operations that enable Quantum Space to move quickly without compromising mission assurance, personnel safety, or hardware integrity