Senior Systems Engineer; Engineer III

Position Overview

Quantum Space, located in Rockville, Maryland, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer (Engineer III) to support the development of advanced spacecraft systems, mission operations capabilities, and autonomous space architecture. This role is ideal for an experienced systems engineer who can lead software and systems architecture efforts, collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines, and drive technical solutions from concept through operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, architecture, integration, and verification of spacecraft software and system-level capabilities, working closely with subject matter experts across flight software, ground software, guidance, navigation and control, autonomy, mission operations, and spacecraft subsystems.

• Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft software and system-level solutions
• Develop and manage system requirements, interfaces, verification plans, and technical baselines
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful system integration and mission execution
• Collaborate with subject matter experts across software, spacecraft systems, mission operations, autonomy, navigation, and communications disciplines
• Define and manage software interfaces between flight software (FSW), ground software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware
• Support development, integration, testing, and deployment of spacecraft systems and software
• Conduct system architecture trades and technical assessments to support program objectives
• Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, and design decision processes
• Support mission planning, operations concept development, and spacecraft operational readiness activities
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to systems engineering best practices and organizational standards
• Support customer interactions, technical presentations, and executive-level program reviews
• Drive resolution of complex technical issues throughout the development lifecycle

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex aerospace or spacecraft systems
• Experience working with both Flight Software (FSW) and Ground Software (GSW) systems
• Experience defining and managing software and hardware interfaces
• Experience leading technical efforts across multiple engineering disciplines
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements development, verification, validation, and configuration management
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts (SME) across diverse technical domains
• Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, and/or mission operations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience in spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or guidance, navigation and control (GNC)
• Experience supporting autonomous spacecraft capabilities or autonomous mission execution concepts
• Experience with Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), autonomous navigation systems, or propulsive maneuver planning and execution
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and/or Python
• Experience with software architecture and large-scale software system design
• Experience managing complex software interfaces and distributed system architectures
• Experience in fast-paced aerospace, defense, or startup environments
• Systems engineering experience including requirements management and verification planning
• Experience applying AI-enabled engineering tools and workflows
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through rapid development cycles
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and spacecraft architecture development

• Engineer III Maryland salary range: $140,000 – $180,000
• Equity participation and sign-on bonus opportunities may be available based on experience and qualifications
• Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation

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.