From Quantum Space's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.
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 Senior Program Manager who has put hardware in orbit and is ready to do it again, faster and leaner.
This role is for a senior technologist-turned-program-manager: someone with deep roots in systems engineering, spacecraft I&T, or instrument development who has grown into full technical, cost, and schedule ownership of a space mission. You've led programs through early architectures and trades, major development reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and flight. You know how to lead cross-functional teams of 30 to 200+ people, engage credibly in technical reviews, and make hard trade-offs under real constraints.
Where You'll Make an Impact
Own full technical, cost, and schedule accountability for spacecraft and subsystem development
Lead cross-functional delivery across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and test from early development through launch and commissioning
Develop and maintain integrated program plans, IMS, milestones, and delivery commitments to internal stakeholders and external customers
Identify program risks, dependencies, and resource constraints — and drive mitigation to closure, not just documentation
Own customer engagements, milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and internal program reporting
Bring execution discipline and mission assurance rigor to a fast-paced, rapidly evolving commercial environment
Contribute to proposal development and business capture as the company scales its program portfolio
What It Takes
Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, physics, or a closely related technical discipline
7+ years of project or program management experience on satellite or spacecraft missions, including at least one that reached launch or on-orbit operations
Technical depth in systems engineering, I&T, or instrument development — enough to engage meaningfully with your engineering team
Proven ability to lead cross-functional, hardware-intensive programs through formal government or commercial milestone reviews
Strong experience managing schedules, budgets, and execution trade-offs under real cost and schedule constraints
Ability to operate effectively in a mission-driven, high-accountability environment where outcomes are visible to the customer from day one
Nice-to-Have Experience
Experience in rapid development, prototype-to-production, or non-traditional acquisition environments
Proposal development experience — writing or managing competitive responses to government AOs or RFPs
Familiarity with mission assurance standards, ITAR/export control requirements, and national security mission contexts
Active U.S. Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or clear eligibility to obtain one
What You'll Get
Ownership— Own execution for a high-visibility national security mission with direct customer accountability
Impact
— Deliver systems that directly support critical space and defense objectives from a company that ships
Innovation – Drive forward-thinking program leadership by balancing technical innovation, cost, schedule, and mission assurance to deliver next-generation space capabilities.
Growth
— Opportunities to scale programs, build teams, and shape how Quantum Space operates as we move from prototype to production
Compensation
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
Base Salary:
$180,000 to $225,000
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 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 next generation of spacecraft.
About this listing
LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.
