Spacecraft Ground Software Engineer II

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 highly skilled Spacecraft Ground Software Engineer II to lead the development, integration, and operational support of software systems that enable spacecraft testing, mission operations, and real-time ground communications.
• This role is ideal for an experienced software engineer who thrives at the intersection of distributed systems, mission operations, infrastructure, and real-time data processing. You will play a key role in building the software platforms and operational tooling that support spacecraft integration, command and telemetry workflows, and mission readiness throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
• You will work closely with flight software, AI&T, mission operations, avionics, and systems engineering teams to develop scalable and reliable ground software solutions that support both integration and on-orbit operations.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• You get to build the architecture upon which the ground software will be run
• Your work directly impacts safety, reliability, and the mission's success
• Ground software touches each part of the mission from testing to on-orbit operations
• You will own major pieces of the architecture end-to-end
• You have the opportunity to influence coding standards, architecture, and how we operate as a team
• You get mission-critical responsibility that will support mission operations long after the first launch

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience in full-stack software development, including deployment to production or operational environments
• Strong understanding of networking, data routing, and communication protocols
• Experience working with message buses, APIs, and real-time data pipelines
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and/or equivalent on-premises environments
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices
• Proficiency with relational and/or non-relational databases
• Understanding of ground system architectures, interfaces, and distributed systems
• Strong version-control practices using modern source-control workflows
• Experience contributing to requirements development, verification, and traceability
• Experience developing and executing software and system-level tests
• Proficiency with Linux environments, command-line workflows, and Bash scripting
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to communicate operational impacts of technical decisions
• Strong documentation practices across operational procedures, interfaces, and system architecture
• Ability and willingness to support on-call rotations or real-time operational events during critical mission activities
• Experience leading end-to-end system development efforts from design through deployment and operational support

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience developing ground segment, mission-control, or spacecraft operations software
• Understanding of spacecraft command and telemetry systems
• Familiarity with spacecraft operations tools such as Grafana or other monitoring and data-visualization platforms
• Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with distributed systems and high-availability architectures
• Experience supporting operational or mission-critical environments
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems domains
• Experience with Python, Go, Java, C++, or similar backend technologies

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Lead the development of mission-critical ground software that supports spacecraft integration, testing, command and telemetry, and on-orbit operations from concept through deployment.
• Innovation – Build scalable software platforms, distributed systems, and operational tools that power the next generation of spacecraft missions and enable reliable space operations.
• Impact – Develop the software infrastructure that connects engineering, integration, and mission operations teams, directly contributing to the success of every spacecraft mission.
• Growth – Expand your expertise in ground systems, mission operations, cloud infrastructure, and distributed software while influencing technical architecture, engineering standards, and the future of Quantum Space’s software ecosystem.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $120,000 to $150,000

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.