Software Systems Engineer III

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Software Systems Engineer III to lead the development of spacecraft software architectures, mission operations capabilities, and system-level engineering solutions for next-generation Ranger 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.

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 and managing complex spacecraft or aerospace systems
• Experience developing Flight Software (FSW) and supporting spacecraft software architectures
• Experience designing large-scale software systems and distributed software architectures
• Experience 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 engineering organizations
• Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, launch preparation, and/or mission operations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical communication, and presentation skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience supporting spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)
• Experience developing autonomous spacecraft capabilities, autonomous mission execution concepts, or intelligent mission planning systems
• Experience with Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), autonomous navigation systems, orbital guidance, 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
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems, spacecraft architectures, and vehicle-level systems integration

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the architecture, integration, and deployment of mission-critical spacecraft software and system-level capabilities
• 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

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.