Software Systems Engineer III

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 Software Systems Engineer III to manage the development of spacecraft software architectures, mission operations capabilities, and system-level engineering solutions for next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you will bridge software engineering and systems engineering disciplines, driving technical solutions from early concept development through spacecraft integration, mission execution, and on-orbit operations.

You will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for software architecture, systems engineering, interface definition, verification, and deployment of advanced spacecraft software and mission systems. Working closely with flight software, ground software, autonomy, mission operations, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), communications, and spacecraft subsystem teams, you will help develop robust software architectures that enable reliable, autonomous, and mission-ready spacecraft operations. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep software expertise with strong systems engineering skills and enjoys leading multidisciplinary technical efforts across the full spacecraft lifecycle.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Architect and design of spacecraft software and system-level solutions supporting spacecraft programs

• Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, technical baselines, verification plans, and traceability throughout the development lifecycle

• Define and manage interfaces between Flight Software (FSW), Ground Software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including flight software, GNC, autonomy, communications, avionics, and mission operations, to develop, integrate, and validate spacecraft software capabilities

• Conduct system architecture trade studies, technical assessments, and design analyses supporting program objectives

• Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, architecture evaluations, and engineering decision processes

• Support mission planning, concept of operations (ConOps) development, and mission execution planning

• Mentor engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices, software quality, and technical excellence

• Support customer interactions, executive briefings, design reviews, and technical presentations

• Drive resolution of complex technical issues across software and spacecraft systems throughout the product lifecycle

• Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen software architecture, and mission execution capabilities

What It Takes

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience, including software development for aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems

• Demonstrated experience developing complex spacecraft or aerospace systems

• Experience developing Flight Software (FSW) and designing spacecraft software architectures, including distributed software systems

• Experience defining and managing interfaces between Flight Software (FSW), Ground Software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware.

• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles including requirements development, interface management, verification, validation, and configuration management

• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts across software and hardware

• Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, launch preparation, and/or mission operations

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)

• Experience developing autonomous mission execution capabilities, including intelligent mission planning, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), or propulsive maneuver planning

• Experience working within fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space startup environments

• Advanced systems engineering experience including requirements management, interface control, and verification planning

• Experience applying AI-enabled software engineering tools, model-based engineering techniques, or automated development workflows

• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through rapid product development cycles and spacecraft-level systems integration

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the integration, and deployment of mission-critical spacecraft software

• Innovation – Help develop advanced autonomous spacecraft technologies, mission operations systems, and next-generation space infrastructure

• Impact – Deliver software and mission systems that enable national security, civil, and commercial space missions

• Growth – Work alongside experts in software, autonomy, mission operations, spacecraft systems, and flight programs while helping shape the future of Quantum Space engineering

• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA/FSA options, 401(k) matching, and equity participation

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $160,000–$200,000

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.