Mission Design and Analysis Engineer I
About The Position
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy in cislunar and geostationary space. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and on-orbit maneuverability that enable customers to access, operate, and persist in orbits previously out of reach. We’re building the infrastructure, vehicles, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system. We are seeking a Mission Design and Analysis Engineer to support the analysis, design, and operational support of highly maneuverable spacecraft missions. This role will contribute to trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis across the mission lifecycle — from early concept development through on-orbit operations. You will work closely with systems engineering, GNC, flight software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to develop and implement robust, high-fidelity flight dynamics capabilities that support trajectory design, orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis for missions across multiple regimes.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field
- 0–3 years of relevant experience (internships and research experience acceptable)
- Foundational knowledge of orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics
- Familiarity with: Two-body/three-body and perturbation models
- Coordinate systems and reference frames
- Orbit determination concepts (e.g., radiometric and GPS measurement types, least squares estimation, Kalman filtering)
- Programming experience in at least one of the following: Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Astrodynamics
- Experience with industry tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Freeflyer, or GMAT
- Exposure to orbit determination software such as ODTK
- Experience with cislunar multi-body mission design
- Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
- Familiarity with space environment modeling (drag, SRP, gravity harmonics)
- Exposure to other spacecraft subsystems (e.g. GNC, propulsion, FSW)
Responsibilities
- Support mission design activities for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions, including: Trajectory and maneuver design
- Delta-v/propellant budgeting
- Orbit maintenance planning
- Orbit determination sensitivity studies
- Disposal planning
- Conduct mission-level simulation and end-to-end performance analysis, including: Launch injection dispersions
- Monte Carlo analysis
- Navigation covariance analysis
- Eclipse & payload coverage analyses
- Conjunction assessment and collision avoidance analysis
- Support ground network coverage and contact analysis, including: Visibility analysis
- Link budget inputs
- Tracking geometry assessment
- Scheduling support for mission operations
- Contribute to spacecraft operations, including anomaly investigation and on-orbit performance evaluation
- Develop and maintain internal flight dynamics and mission analysis tools (Python/MATLAB/C++-based)
- Generate technical documentation, trade studies, and design reports
- Collaborate with GNC, communications, systems engineering, mission operations
Benefits
- Ownership – Build and validate the flight dynamics capability that defines how our spacecraft operate across LEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.
- Innovation – Shape next-generation flight dynamics architectures, trajectory design methodologies, and mission analysis tools for high-energy and multi-body missions.
- Impact – Directly influence mission feasibility, Delta-V performance, navigation accuracy, and long-term success across LEO, GEO, and cislunar operations.
- Growth – Collaborate across GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and mission operations, with opportunities to expand into advanced astrodynamics, orbit determination, mission design, or on-orbit flight operations leadership.
- Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
