Mission Design and Analysis Engineer I

Who We’re Looking For

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy in cislunar and geostationary space. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and on-orbit maneuverability that enable customers to access, operate, and persist in orbits previously out of reach. We’re building the infrastructure, vehicles, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system.

We are seeking a Mission Design and Analysis Engineer to support the analysis, design, and operational support of highly maneuverable spacecraft missions. This role will contribute to trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle — from early concept development through on-orbit operations.

You will work closely with systems engineering, GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop and implement robust, high-fidelity flight dynamics capabilities that support trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis for missions across multiple regimes. 

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Support mission design activities for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions, including:

Trajectory and maneuver design

Delta-v/propellant budgeting

Orbit maintenance planning

Orbit determination sensitivity studies

Disposal planning

Conduct mission-level simulation and end-to-end performance analysis, including:

Launch injection dispersions

Monte Carlo analysis

Navigation covariance analysis

Eclipse & payload coverage analyses

Conjunction assessment and collision avoidance analysis

Support ground network coverage and contact analysis, including:

Visibility analysis

Link budget inputs

Tracking geometry assessment

Scheduling support for mission operations

Contribute to spacecraft operations, including anomaly investigation and on-orbit performance evaluation

Develop and maintain internal flight dynamics and mission analysis tools (Python/MATLAB/C++-based)

Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports

Collaborate with GNC, communications, systems engineering, mission operations

What It Takes:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field

0–3 years of relevant experience (internships and research experience acceptable)

Foundational knowledge of orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics

Familiarity with:

Two-body/three-body and perturbation models

Coordinate systems and reference frames

Orbit determination concepts (e.g., radiometric and GPS measurement types, least squares estimation, Kalman filtering)

Programming experience in at least one of the following: Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Have:

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Astrodynamics

Experience with industry tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Freeflyer, or GMAT

Exposure to orbit determination software such as ODTK

Experience with cislunar multi-body mission design

Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)

Familiarity with space environment modeling (drag, SRP, gravity harmonics)

Exposure to other spacecraft subsystems (e.g. GNC, propulsion, FSW)

 What You’ll Get

Ownership – Build and validate the flight dynamics capability that defines how our spacecraft operate across LEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.

Innovation – Shape next-generation flight dynamics architectures, trajectory design methodologies, and mission analysis tools for high-energy and multi-body missions.

Impact – Directly influence mission feasibility, Delta-V performance, navigation accuracy, and long-term success across LEO, GEO, and cislunar operations.

Growth – Collaborate across GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and mission operations, with opportunities to expand into advanced astrodynamics,
orbit
determination, mission design, or on-orbit flight operations leadership.

Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Additional Requirements

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.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.