Position: Electrical Engineer - Communications - Quantum Space
Location: Hawthorne, California
Commitment: Full-time
Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is developing high-agility spacecraft platforms to deliver rapid, reliable services in cislunar and GEO environments. We are seeking a highly capable Electrical Engineer - Communications to lead and support the architecture, procurement, and integration of RF communications systems for our next-generation missions.
You'll
be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating end-to-end communication systems-supporting both flight and ground implementations. This role is highly cross-functional, touching spacecraft design, ground segment operations, AI&T, and regulatory coordination.
Where You'll Make an Impact
- Architect, implement, and test RF communications subsystems for Quantum's spacecraft
- Perform RF system-level analysis including link budgets, signal distortion, capacity, reliability, and performance evaluations
- Manage communications component suppliers and subcontractors-including requirements flowdown, delivery tracking, technical reviews, and non-conformance resolution
- Author subsystem-level requirements and validate compliance through analysis, test, and inspection
- Develop communications ground support equipment (GSE) to support spacecraft AI&T efforts
- Participate in communications subsystem integration during AI&T
- Support FCC licensing efforts and assist in preparing regulatory documentation
- Develop MATLAB-based tools to support internal RF analyses and simulation
- Collaborate with spacecraft systems, avionics, and electrical teams to ensure comms system compatibility and integration
- Support major design and readiness reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR)
What It Takes
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline (M.S. preferred)
- 5+ years of experience supporting communications system development for spaceflight missions
- Proven track record of designing, analyzing, and integrating spacecraft RF communication systems
- Experience authoring subsystem requirements and validating through structured methods (analysis, test, inspection)
- Familiarity with RF link budget development, modulation techniques, distortion sources, and overall system performance evaluation
- Experience managing vendors for flight RF hardware and associated documentation
- Hands-on experience developing and operating comms-related GSE
- Proficiency with MATLAB for simulation, modeling, and tool development
- Strong cross-functional awareness and systems-level thinking
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative environment where priorities shift quickly
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Strong background in core EE fundamentals (analog/digital circuits, power, grounding, etc.)
- Experience with spacecraft data buses and interfaces (RS422/RS485, SpaceWire, Ethernet, SERDES, LVDS, CAN, Discrete IO, Cameralink)
- Experience working with optical communication systems
- Experience working within cleanroom and ESD-controlled environments around flight hardware
- Familiarity with avionics system architecture, electrical power system (EPS) architecture, , and spacecraft power modeling
- Hands-on experience with ECAD tools like OrCAD or Altium for schematic capture, layout, and parts library management
- Experience with circuit simulation tools (e.g., LTSpice, PSpice)
- Fluency in Python or other scripting languages
- Knowledge of code verification and validation methodologies
- Experience with FPGA-based systems and HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog)
- Prior team or project management experience
- Certifications: NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC-620, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721
What You'll Get
- Ownership - Drive the communication system architecture that enables in-space autonomy and reliability
- Innovation - Design end-to-end comms solutions for fast-moving missions and novel applications
- Impact - Contribute to communications systems that connect and control Quantum's fleet
- Growth - Collaborate with a high-performing team and take on new technical leadership opportunities
- Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing
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 communications systems that power the future of spacecraft operations.
