Mission Operations Engineer I

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer I to support spacecraft operations, telemetry analysis, and real-time monitoring of next‑gen space systems. You’ll assist with commanding, anomaly identification, and procedure development in a fast-paced, mission-focused team.

This early-career role emphasizes hands‑on experience, collaboration with operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to ensure safe, reliable mission execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystems including ADCS, power, communications, thermal, and propulsion.
• Familiarity with scripting and data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow structured operational procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine and contingency spacecraft operations under supervision, including command uplink, telemetry monitoring, and health assessments.
• Monitor spacecraft performance in real time, identifying anomalies, off-nominal trends, and potential issues.
• Support the development, testing, and validation of operational procedures, command sequences, and mission products.
• Analyze spacecraft telemetry data to support performance trending, troubleshooting, and mission reporting.
• Coordinate with ground stations and network service providers to support successful spacecraft communication passes.
• Participate in mission rehearsals, operational readiness reviews, and post-pass analyses.
• Collaborate with mission operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to support spacecraft performance and operational objectives.
• Document operational findings, lessons learned, and recommended improvements to procedures and tools.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance mission reliability, operational efficiency, and spacecraft performance.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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 motivated and detail-orientedMission Operations Engineer I to support spacecraft operations, mission execution, and real-time monitoring of our next-generation space systems. In this role, you will assist with spacecraft commanding, telemetry analysis, operational procedure development, and anomaly identification while working closely with mission operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams.

You will play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and successful spacecraft operations throughout the mission lifecycle. This position is ideal for an early-career engineer who has a strong technical foundation, enjoys solving complex problems, and is eager to gain hands‑on experience supporting mission-critical space operations in a fast-paced environment.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Execute routine and contingency spacecraft operations under supervision, including command uplink, telemetry monitoring, and spacecraft health assessments.
• Monitor spacecraft performance in real time, identifying anomalies, off‑nominal trends, and potential operational issues.
• Support the development, testing, and validation of operational procedures, command sequences, and mission products.
• Analyze spacecraft telemetry data to support performance trending, troubleshooting, and mission reporting.
• Coordinate with ground stations and network service providers to support successful spacecraft communication passes.
• Participate in mission rehearsals, operational readiness reviews, and post‑pass analyses.
• Collaborate with mission operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to support spacecraft performance and operational objectives.
• Document operational findings, lessons learned, and recommended improvements to procedures and tools.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance mission reliability, operational efficiency, and spacecraft performance.

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including attitude determination and control (ADCS), power, communications, thermal, and propulsion.
• Familiarity with scripting and data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow structured operational procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to remain focused and methodical during time‑sensitive or critical operations.
• Willingness to learn new spacecraft systems, mission tools, and operational processes.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays based on mission requirements.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Internship or academic project experience in satellite operations, ground systems, or mission design.
• Experience working with telemetry/command systems, mission planning tools, or ground software.
• Understanding of RF communications, orbital mechanics, or command and control architectures.
• Ability to interpret data sets and develop basic automation or analysis scripts.

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Gain hands‑on experience supporting spacecraft operations and mission‑critical activities that directly contribute to mission success.
• Innovation – Work with next‑generation spacecraft technologies advancing space mobility, maneuverability, and mission operations.
• Impact – Contribute to real‑world national security, civil, and commercial space missions through reliable spacecraft operations and performance monitoring.
• Growth – Develop your technical expertise alongside experienced engineers in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Hawthorne, CA

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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.