{"id":3367834,"url":"https://alion.io/job/quantum-space-spacecraft-ground-software-engineer-iii","title":"Mission Operations Ground Software Engineering Lead","company":{"id":3813300,"name":"Quantum Space","domain":"quantumspaceinc.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/quantumspaceinc","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":17,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":116,"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"}},"role":"Backend","role_family":"Backend","seniority":"lead","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Hawthorne, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":140000,"max":165000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":165000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":false},{"name":"Docker","optional":false},{"name":"Java","optional":false},{"name":"Kubernetes","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Apache Kafka","optional":true},{"name":"CCSDS","optional":true},{"name":"MQTT","optional":true},{"name":"Redis","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-27T21:02:23Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-30","last_verified_at":"2026-10-31T02:29:00Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":3,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":1},"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.\nWho We’re Looking For\nWe are seeking a highly skilled Mission Operations Ground Software Engineering Lead to lead the development, integration, and operational support of software systems that enable spacecraft testing, mission operations, and real-time ground communications.\nThis 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.\nYou 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.\nWhere You’ll Make an Impact \nLead design, development, and deployment of ground software components including payload data pipelines, telemetry processing, event handling, dashboards, tool development, and automated monitoring.\nOwn major portions of the ground segment architecture and guide long-term technical direction.\nDevelop tools and automation to improve reliability, operator efficiency, and system observability across satellite missions.\nWork with mission operators, mission design and analysis, and systems engineering to understand operational workflows and translate them into software solutions.\nLead integration of new spacecraft, subsystems, and communication interfaces into the ground system.\nImplement scalable microservices, APIs, and data pipelines to support real-time and offline mission operations.\nEnsure system resiliency, security, and performance through testing, code review, CI/CD, and operational best practices.\nSupport anomaly investigations by building diagnostic tools, analyzing telemetry flows, and identifying root causes within the ground architecture.\nMentor junior and mid-level engineers; contribute to engineering standards and best practices.\nWhat It Takes \nBachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, software engineering, or a related technical field.\n5+ years of software engineering experience, including production experience developing complex systems.\nStrong proficiency in at least one major programming language (Python, Go, C++, or Java).\nExperience developing distributed systems, APIs, or microservices architectures.\nFamiliarity with cloud platforms, containerization (Docker), and orchestration frameworks (Kubernetes).\nUnderstanding of satellite operations concepts, telemetry/command systems, or communication protocols.\nExperience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and code quality practices.\nNice-to-Have Experience\nPrior experience developing spacecraft ground systems, mission control software, or telemetry/command frameworks.\nExperience with message bus or streaming technologies (Kafka, MQTT, Redis Streams).\nKnowledge of CCSDS standards (telemetry, command, SM&C, file delivery).\nExperience building operational UIs, dashboards, or visualization tools.\nContributions to system architecture decisions, scaling strategies, and infrastructure automation.\nExperience supporting real-time or mission-critical operational environments.\nFamiliarity with RF systems, link-layer protocols, or satellite network configurations.\nWhat You’ll Get\nOwnership - Lead the development of mission-critical ground software that supports spacecraft integration, testing, command and telemetry, and on-orbit operations from concept through deployment.\nInnovation - Build scalable software platforms, distributed systems, and operational tools that power the next generation of spacecraft missions and enable reliable space operations.\nImpact - Develop the software infrastructure that connects engineering, integration, and mission operations teams, directly contributing to the success of every spacecraft mission.\nGrowth - 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.\nCompensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.\nLocation: Hawthorne, CA \nBase Salary: $140,000-165,000\nThe 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.\nAdditional Requirements \nTo 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. \nApply now. 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