Test Conductor

Quantum Space

Denver (CO)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 105,000

Full time

20 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) matching

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Test Conductor to plan, execute, and coordinate spacecraft flight hardware, software, and defense system tests. You will serve as the central coordination point during integrated test campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to procedures and mission requirements.

You will operate at the intersection of systems engineering, hardware, and software testing, collaborating with subsystem engineers to maintain rigorous configuration control and real-time

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline related to aerospace or systems engineering.
2–5+ years of professional experience in aerospace/defense test environments.
Experience planning, executing, or supporting integrated hardware/software test operations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate spacecraft, subsystem, and system test activities from planning through closeout.
Develop and execute detailed test procedures, plans, scripts, and sequences.
Monitor telemetry, system health, and test data; manage configuration control during testing.
Support test readiness reviews, design reviews, and mission readiness activities.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and drive test efficiency.

Skills

Test coordination

Troubleshooting

Verbal communication

Multidisciplinary leadership

Hands-on hardware

Fast-paced adaptation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Bash

Telemetry visualization tools

LabVIEW

Electrical schematics reading

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 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 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
Monitor spacecraft and ground system telemetry, test equipment, system health, limits, and performance during test operations
Maintain configuration control and ensure the correct hardware, software, firmware, procedures, and ground support equipment are used throughout test execution
Assist with 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
Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), design reviews, mission readiness reviews, failure investigations, and technical assessments
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

What It Takes

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
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, interface control documents (ICDs), requirements, telemetry definitions, and technical documentation
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
Ability to clearly communicate test status, technical issues, risks, and decisions to engineers, program leadership, and mission stakeholders
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
Ability 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 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
Active 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 activities
Innovation – Help develop and validate advanced spacecraft technologies enabling next-generation space mobility, maneuverability, and defense missions
Impact – Play a direct role in ensuring spacecraft and space systems are ready to perform for demanding national security, civil, and commercial missions
Growth – Build broad technical expertise across spacecraft hardware, software, systems engineering, integration, test, and mission operations while working alongside a multidisciplinary engineering team
Mission Exposure – Participate across the spacecraft lifecycle, from early hardware development and subsystem testing through integrated vehicle test, environmental qualification, launch readiness, and mission operations
Compensation – 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.