Solutions Engineering Lead

Solutions Engineering LeadRockville, MD or Hawthorne, CAQuantum 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.We are seeking a highly experienced Solution Engineering Lead to help shape the technical strategies behind some of the industry's most critical space missions.This role serves as the technical architect for strategic pursuits, translating customer needs into innovative, executable mission solutions that position Quantum Space for long-term growth and competitive success. You will operate at the intersection of engineering, business development, capture, and executive leadership—developing mission architectures, evaluating technical approaches, establishing discriminators, and guiding solution strategies throughout the business development lifecycle. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in space systems engineering with strong strategic thinking and customer-focused solution development. You understand how to balance mission performance, technical risk, cost, schedule, and operational effectiveness while creating differentiated solutions that address complex customer challenges.You are comfortable moving seamlessly between technical and strategic discussions, collaborating with engineers, capture managers, program leaders, executives, and government stakeholders to develop compelling mission concepts and winning technical approaches.Whether supporting opportunities with the U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), AFRL, NASA, NRO, OSD, or other government customers, you recognize that exceptional solution engineering is a critical enabler of mission success, customer confidence, and company growth.Solution Architecture & Technical StrategyLead technical solution development for strategic business pursuits across defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial space marketsTranslate customer requirements into executable mission concepts, architectures, and technical approachesDevelop mission architectures, concepts of operation (CONOPS), and system-level solution strategiesEstablish technical discriminators that clearly differentiate Quantum Space capabilities and offeringsEvaluate alternative approaches through technical trade studies and architecture assessmentsIdentify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies that improve solution credibility and execution confidenceCapture & Proposal LeadershipPartner with Capture Managers and Proposal Leaders to develop winning technical strategiesProvide technical leadership throughout the proposal lifecycleDevelop technical content, engineering approaches, and solution narratives for strategic pursuitsParticipate in proposal reviews, color team reviews, and executive decision gatesEnsure proposed solutions are compliant, executable, innovative, and aligned with customer prioritiesCustomer Engagement & Mission DevelopmentSupport customer engagements, technical interchange meetings, and solution discussionsPresent technical concepts, mission architectures, and solution strategies to government and commercial stakeholdersHelp shape opportunities through early customer engagement and technical positioning activitiesMaintain awareness of evolving mission needs, customer priorities, industry trends, and emerging technologiesCross-Functional LeadershipLead multidisciplinary technical teams during solution development activitiesCollaborate across engineering, program management, business development, and executive leadershipSupport multiple high-priority pursuits simultaneously in a fast-paced growth environmentContribute to the development of repeatable solution engineering processes and best practicesWhat It TakesBachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline10+ years of experience developing space systems, mission architectures, or advanced aerospace solutionsExperience with spacecraft design, mission architecture development, satellite systems, communications systems, remote sensing, or national security space missionsStrong systems engineering background with demonstrated technical leadership experienceExperience conducting technical trade studies, requirements analysis, and solution development activitiesDemonstrated ability to develop customer-focused technical solutions for complex government programsExcellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skillsAbility to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical organizationsNice-to-Have ExperienceExperience supporting opportunities with:U.S. Space ForceSpace Systems Command (SSC)Space Development Agency (SDA)Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)Prior experience supporting government space organizations, prime contractors, or advanced aerospace companiesExperience with satellite communications, space domain awareness, missile warning, ISR, remote sensing, or related mission areasFamiliarity with Department of Defense acquisition processes and proposal development activitiesAdvanced degree in a related technical disciplineWhat You'll GetOwnership – Lead the technical strategy behind high-priority space pursuits, developing mission architectures and solution concepts that shape Quantum Space's futureInnovation – Design forward-thinking mission solutions by combining systems engineering, customer insight, and emerging space technologies to solve complex national security, civil, and commercial challengesImpact – Influence strategic business growth by developing differentiated technical approaches that strengthen customer confidence and position Quantum Space for long-term successGrowth – Partner with executive leadership, capture teams, and engineering experts while expanding your influence across business development, mission architecture, and strategic solution engineeringCompensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharingLocation: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CABase Salary: $125,000 - $175,000The 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.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.