Electrical Engineer III - Advanced Programs

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 – Advanced Programs to lead the development of specialized spacecraft electronics supporting next-generation Ranger missions. In this role, you will own the design, development, integration, qualification, and flight delivery of high-reliability electronics hardware that enables advanced spacecraft capabilities across national security, civil, and commercial missions.

Working closely with systems, mechanical, thermal, propulsion, FPGA, and flight software engineers, you will drive hardware development from early concept through flight qualification while collaborating across multidisciplinary spacecraft programs. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced development environment and enjoys taking ownership of mission-critical hardware that flies.

You'll Make an Impact

• Lead the development of specialized spacecraft electronics from concept, prototyping, qualification, and flight delivery
• Design and develop analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics supporting Ranger spacecraft platforms
• Own schematic capture, PCB architecture, layout oversight, hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and validation activities
• Develop timing-critical, high-density, multi-layer PCB designs for high-reliability spacecraft applications
• Collaborate with systems, thermal, propulsion, FPGA, software, and mechanical engineering teams to define and integrate spacecraft electronics architectures
• Support FPGA integration activities utilizing AMD and Microchip (formerly Microsemi) FPGA devices
• Lead schematic reviews, hardware architecture decisions, design trade studies, and technical peer reviews
• Develop electronics solutions supporting spacecraft avionics, communications, propulsion, and electric power systems
• Apply EEE component derating methodologies and reliability best practices for spaceflight hardware in accordance with NASA INST-002 requirements
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives throughout development to support efficient production and high-quality flight hardware
• Manage PCB fabrication and PCBA manufacturing vendors supporting schedule-critical hardware builds
• Support subsystem integration, environmental qualification, anomaly resolution, and flight hardware verification campaigns
• 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)
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including schematics, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements, verification artifacts, and test procedures
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen electronics design processes, manufacturing readiness, and hardware reliability

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 7+ years of experience developing spacecraft electronics for MEO, GEO, or other high-reliability aerospace applications
• Strong proficiency with industry-standard ECAD tools including Cadence Allegro, OrCAD, Altium Designer, or equivalent
• Strong expertise in analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics design
• Experience integrating FPGA-based systems utilizing AMD (Xilinx) and Microchip (Microsemi) devices
• Experience designing timing-critical, high-density, multi-layer PCB assemblies
• Experience leading schematic reviews, hardware design reviews, and technical peer reviews
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and electronics production workflows
• Experience designing spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422, RS-485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, Discrete I/O, I2C, SPI, and related protocols
• Experience managing PCB fabrication, PCB assembly suppliers, and external hardware vendors
• Ability to derive component- and assembly-level requirements from subsystem- and spacecraft-level requirements
• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and hardware integration skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing spacecraft propulsion electronics and propulsion system architectures
• Experience designing DC-DC converter topologies including Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost converters
• Deep understanding of spacecraft load-switch architectures and power distribution optimization
• Experience designing high-power spacecraft electronics systems
• Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft electronics qualification campaigns including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC testing
• Knowledge of spacecraft development lifecycles, Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T), and vehicle-level integration operations
• Familiarity with radiation-hardened component selection, qualification, and spaceflight reliability practices
• Experience supporting national security, defense, or other mission-critical space programs

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the development of mission-critical spacecraft electronics supporting advanced Ranger missions
• Innovation – Develop next-generation spacecraft avionics and power electronics architectures enabling high-mobility space operations
• Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready electronics supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team where you'll influence spacecraft architecture, hardware development, 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.