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 an experienced and technically driven Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics) to lead avionics subsystem development for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. In this role, you will drive spacecraft avionics architecture, subsystem requirements, electrical interface definition, integration planning, and hardware execution across complex spacecraft development programs.
You will serve as a key technical leader working closely with propulsion, power, RF communications, flight software, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), payload, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to develop robust, highly reliable avionics architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility spacecraft missions. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong systems thinking and enjoys leading cross-functional engineering efforts from concept through flight.
You'll Make an Impact
Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from early architecture through integration, qualification, and flight readiness
Derive avionics subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining full requirements traceability throughout development
Author and maintain spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinate subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Define, manage, and validate spacecraft electrical interfaces across avionics, power, propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payload, and flight software subsystems
Drive resolution of complex technical integration issues while maintaining spacecraft-level electrical compatibility, redundancy, and operational integrity
Perform make-versus-buy trade studies supporting avionics hardware architecture, component selection, and procurement strategies
Manage avionics hardware development schedules, vendor coordination, hardware deliveries, and subsystem integration milestones
Develop avionics integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem verification, vehicle integration, environmental qualification, and flight readiness
Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure avionics architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, fault tolerance, and operational objectives
Participate in 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)
Lead anomaly investigations, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis efforts supporting spacecraft avionics throughout development and integration
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen avionics development processes, interface management, and system integration methodologies
What It Takes
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems or other complex aerospace electronics
Demonstrated experience deriving subsystem requirements and defining spacecraft electrical interfaces
Experience authoring spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinating Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary teams
Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical architectures and subsystem interactions across avionics, power, software, communications, propulsion, and payload systems
Experience with spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422, RS-485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, discrete I/O, and related protocols
Strong systems-level engineering mindset with experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution
Excellent organizational, analytical, technical communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
Comfortable operating within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment with high ownership and execution expectations
Nice-to-Have Experience
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payloads, and electrical power systems
Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T), including subsystem- and vehicle-level environmental qualification
Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations following launch and deployment
Experience leading schematic reviews, PCB design reviews, and hardware peer reviews
Deep understanding of spacecraft avionics redundancy architectures, fault management strategies, and graceful degradation approaches
Experience supporting reliability engineering, radiation effects analysis, EMI/EMC compliance, and fault-tolerant spacecraft design
Experience managing spacecraft avionics hardware vendors, subcontractors, and external development partners
Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security and defense-related spacecraft programs
What You'll Get
Ownership – Lead the development and integration of mission-critical spacecraft avionics architectures supporting advanced Ranger missions
Innovation – Shape next-generation spacecraft electrical interface architectures and avionics integration strategies enabling high-mobility space operations
Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready avionics systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
Growth – Operate at the center of spacecraft development while influencing vehicle-level architecture, integration, and mission execution
Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing
Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA
Base Salary: $125,000–$175,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
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.
