Test Conductor

About the role

We are seeking a technically capable and mission-focused Test Conductor to support the planning, execution, and coordination of spacecraft flight hardware, software and space defense system testing.

Responsibilities

• Support and conduct spacecraft, subsystem, and integrated system test activities from pre-test readiness through execution, anomaly resolution, and test closeout
• Develop, review, and execute detailed test procedures, test plans, test scripts, and operational sequences
• Design, develop and/or modify test and data display pages (computer screens showing essential command, status and safety data used during testing, launch, and potentially on-orbit)
• Support the development, integration, and testing of spacecraft and Ground Support systems
• Attend pre-test briefings, verify test roles and communication protocols, and verify personnel, hardware, software, facilities, and instrumentation are ready for test
• Perform real-time test execution, including procedural steps, holds, aborts, redlines, configuration changes, and recovery activities
• Maintain configuration control and ensure the correct hardware, software, firmware, procedures, and ground support equipment are used throughout test execution
• Absorb troubleshooting and anomaly investigation with subsystem subject matter experts while maintaining safe system configurations
• Document test results, anomalies, procedural deviations, configuration changes, and lessons learned
• Support spacecraft integration, functional testing, mission simulations, environmental testing, and launch or mission readiness activities
• Support environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC campaigns
• Collaborate with systems engineering to verify requirements, maintain test traceability, and ensure verification objectives are successfully completed
• Support development and improvement of test infrastructure, ground support equipment, automation, telemetry displays, and test processes
• Help establish disciplined test operations that enable Quantum Space to move quickly without compromising mission assurance, personnel safety, or hardware integrity

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 2–5+ years of professional experience supporting aerospace, defense, spacecraft, launch vehicle, missile, avionics, satellite, or other complex high-reliability systems
• Experience planning, executing, or supporting integrated hardware and/or software test operations
• Ability to understand complex system architectures, interfaces, operational sequences, and test configurations
• Experience developing, reviewing, and executing technical test plans and procedures
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to coordinate technical teams during time-sensitive test operations
• Demonstrated ability to maintain procedural discipline and configuration control while operating complex hardware
• Strong verbal communication skills and confidence directing multidisciplinary teams during test execution
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing procedures, test configurations, data, and discrepancy documentation
• Comfortable working hands-on with flight hardware, ground support equipment, test instrumentation, and spacecraft systems
• Experience working in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment where test results directly influence hardware and software development

Qualifications

• Experience conducting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, missile defense, or national security space test operations
• Experience serving as a Test Conductor, Test Director, Test Engineer, Mission Operations Engineer, Integration & Test Engineer, or similar technical leadership role
• Familiarity with spacecraft avionics, propulsion, electrical power, communications, guidance/navigation/control, flight software, and command and telemetry systems
• Experience with spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) or Integration, Verification, and Validation (IV&V)
• Experience supporting mission simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or integrated system testing
• Familiarity with spacecraft command and telemetry systems, ground software, automated test systems, and telemetry visualization tools
• Experience with environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, and EMI/EMC testing
• Experience supporting launch site operations, spacecraft commissioning, mission operations, or on-orbit testing
• Programming or test automation experience using Python, MATLAB, Bash, or similar scripting languages
• Familiarity with communication interfaces and protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, RS-485, SpaceWire, LVDS, MIL-STD-1553, I2C, or SPI
• Experience with requirements management, verification matrices, discrepancy reporting, configuration management, and test data review
• Familiarity with failure review boards, anomaly resolution processes, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes
• Experience working with U.S. Government, DoD, Space Force, Intelligence Community, Missile Defense Agency, or other national security customers

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment
• Ability to maintain procedural discipline and configuration control while operating complex hardware
• Ability to clearly communicate test status, technical issues, risks, and decisions to engineers, program leadership, and mission stakeholders
• Ability to manage procedures, test configurations, data, and discrepancy documentation
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
• Ability to coordinate technical teams during time-sensitive test operations

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Pay

$ 75,000 - $105,000

Schedule

Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO