Test Conductor

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 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. In this role, you will serve as the central point of coordination during integrated test activities, ensuring test objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures and mission requirements. You will work at the intersection of systems engineering, hardware, software, integration, operations, and mission assurance— supporting and collaborating with subsystem engineering teams through complex spacecraft and subsystem test campaigns while maintaining rigorous configuration control, procedural discipline, and real-time situational awareness. You will play a key role in verifying that mission-critical spacecraft and space defense systems are ready to perform in demanding operational environments. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in hands-on test environments, communicates clearly under pressure, and enjoys bringing multidisciplinary teams together to solve complex technical problems. Where You'll Make an Impact Support and conduct spacecraft, subsystem, and integrated system test activities from pre-test readiness through execution, anomaly resolution, and test closeoutDevelop, review, and execute detailed test procedures, test plans, test scripts, and operational sequencesDesign, 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 systemsAttend pre-test briefings, verify test roles and communication protocols, and verify personnel, hardware, software, facilities, and instrumentation are ready for testPerform real-time test execution, including procedural steps, holds, aborts, redlines, configuration changes, and recovery activitiesMonitor spacecraft and ground system telemetry, test equipment, system health, limits, and performance during test operationsMaintain configuration control and ensure the correct hardware, software, firmware, procedures, and ground support equipment are used throughout test executionAssist with troubleshooting and anomaly investigation with subsystem subject matter experts while maintaining safe system configurationsDocument test results, anomalies, procedural deviations, configuration changes, and lessons learnedSupport spacecraft integration, functional testing, mission simulations, environmental testing, and launch or mission readiness activitiesParticipate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), design reviews, mission readiness reviews, failure investigations, and technical assessmentsSupport environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC campaignsCollaborate with systems engineering to verify requirements, maintain test traceability, and ensure verification objectives are successfully completedSupport development and improvement of test infrastructure, ground support equipment, automation, telemetry displays, and test processesHelp establish disciplined test operations that enable Quantum Space to move quickly without compromising mission assurance, personnel safety, or hardware integrity What It Takes Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline2–5+ years of professional experience supporting aerospace, defense, spacecraft, launch vehicle, missile, avionics, satellite, or other complex high-reliability systemsExperience planning, executing, or supporting integrated hardware and/or software test operationsAbility to understand complex system architectures, interfaces, operational sequences, and test configurationsExperience developing, reviewing, and executing technical test plans and proceduresAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, interface control documents (ICDs), requirements, telemetry definitions, and technical documentationStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to coordinate technical teams during time-sensitive test operationsDemonstrated ability to maintain procedural discipline and configuration control while operating complex hardwareStrong verbal communication skills and confidence directing multidisciplinary teams during test executionAbility to clearly communicate test status, technical issues, risks, and decisions to engineers, program leadership, and mission stakeholdersStrong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing procedures, test configurations, data, and discrepancy documentationComfortable working hands-on with flight hardware, ground support equipment, test instrumentation, and spacecraft systemsAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment where test results directly influence hardware and software development Nice-to-Have Experience Experience conducting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, missile defense, or national security space test operationsExperience serving as a Test Conductor, Test Director, Test Engineer, Mission Operations Engineer, Integration & Test Engineer, or similar technical leadership roleFamiliarity with spacecraft avionics, propulsion, electrical power, communications, guidance/navigation/control, flight software, and command and telemetry systemsExperience 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 testingFamiliarity with spacecraft command and telemetry systems, ground software, automated test systems, and telemetry visualization toolsExperience with environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, and EMI/EMC testingExperience supporting launch site operations, spacecraft commissioning, mission operations, or on-orbit testingProgramming or test automation experience using Python, MATLAB, Bash, or similar scripting languagesFamiliarity with communication interfaces and protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, RS-485, SpaceWire, LVDS, MIL-STD-1553, I2C, or SPIExperience with requirements management, verification matrices, discrepancy reporting, configuration management, and test data reviewFamiliarity with failure review boards, anomaly resolution processes, root cause analysis, and corrective action processesExperience working with U.S. Government, DoD, Space Force, Intelligence Community, Missile Defense Agency, or other national security customersActive or prior U.S. Government security clearance What You'll Get Ownership – Lead critical spacecraft test operations and take responsibility for safely and successfully executing mission-critical verification activitiesInnovation – Help develop and validate advanced spacecraft technologies enabling next-generation space mobility, maneuverability, and defense missionsImpact – Play a direct role in ensuring spacecraft and space systems are ready to perform for demanding national security, civil, and commercial missionsGrowth – Build broad technical expertise across spacecraft hardware, software, systems engineering, integration, test, and mission operations while working alongside a multidisciplinary engineering teamMission Exposure – Participate across the spacecraft lifecycle, from early hardware development and subsystem testing through integrated vehicle test, environmental qualification, launch readiness, and mission operationsCompensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO Base Salary: $ 75,000 - $105,000 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 under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.