Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Company Overview

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.

We are seeking a highly technical and systems‑minded Spacecraft Systems Engineer to serve as the technical owner across spacecraft development, from early mission architecture through flight delivery. In this role, you will lead spacecraft‑level systems engineering activities, driving requirements development, interface management, design integration, and verification across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and mission operations.

You will play a critical role in ensuring technical excellence throughout the spacecraft lifecycle while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and mission stakeholders. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep spacecraft systems expertise with strong technical leadership and a passion for building and flying innovative space vehicles.

• Own spacecraft‑level technical execution across concept development, design, integration, test, and flight readiness
• Lead end‑to‑end system architecture, requirements development, interface management, and configuration across all spacecraft subsystems
• Conduct and lead system‑level trade studies involving propulsion, power, mass properties, mission design, payload integration, and overall vehicle performance
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, mission partners, and internal program leadership
• Lead major engineering reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
• Develop and execute spacecraft verification and validation strategies for both flight hardware and software
• Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
• Collaborate across propulsion, avionics, structures, software, GNC, manufacturing, and mission operations teams to ensure successful system integration
• Mentor engineers while promoting technical rigor, rapid execution, and engineering best practices
• Support multiple spacecraft development efforts in a dynamic, fast‑paced engineering environment
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen systems engineering processes, design methodologies, and technical standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 3–12 years of spacecraft systems engineering experience supporting flight or flight‑like hardware
• Demonstrated experience owning spacecraft‑level requirements, architecture development, subsystem integration, and technical execution
• Experience leading technical development through at least one major spacecraft design milestone (PDR or later)
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, power, thermal, and software interfaces
• Experience developing system requirements, interface control documentation, verification plans, and technical baselines
• Ability to serve as a technical authority within a fast‑paced spacecraft development environment
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders

• Experience serving as a Lead Systems Engineer or technical lead on a spacecraft development program
• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security space programs
• Deep technical background in spacecraft propulsion systems and high‑delta‑V mission design
• Hands‑on experience supporting spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and flight operations
• Familiarity with…