Spacecraft Mission Systems Engineer

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

What It Takes 
• 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

Strongly Preferred Experience
• 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

Tools and Technical Breadth
• 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

Why Quantum Space
• Build spacecraft that actually fly, rapidly and repeatedly
• Own real technical authority, not just process
• Work with a team pushing the frontier of high-mobility space logistics
• Competitive compensation, equity, and top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Export Compliance Requirement
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.