> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3966403-software-systems-engineer-iii](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3966403-software-systems-engineer-iii). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Systems Engineer III - **Company:** Quantum Space - **Location:** Potomac, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $160,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Computer Engineering, Distributed Systems, Hardware Interface Design, Software Architecture, Software Tools, Requirements Management, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Information Technology, Operational Systems - **Published:** October 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/software-systems-engineer-iii-rockville-md--6f5f90c3-10d3-4abe-ac75-7ba2b2c5efc7 ## About the Role Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Propulsion, Problem Solving Skills, Software Architecture, Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, Bridge Building, Software Engineering, Software Development, * Bachelor''s degree, Master''s degree, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline * 8+ years of relevant engineering experience, including software development experience * Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex aerospace or spacecraft systems * Experience developing Flight Software (FSW) systems * Experience with software architecture and large-scale software system design * Experience managing complex software interfaces and distributed system architectures * Experience working with both Flight Software (FSW) and Ground Software (GSW) systems * Experience defining and managing software and hardware interfaces * Experience leading technical efforts across multiple engineering disciplines * Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements development, verification, validation, and configuration management * Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts across diverse technical domains * Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, testing, and/or mission operations * Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills * Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment Nice-to-Have Experience * Experience in spacecraft operations, mission operations systems, autonomy, navigation, or Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) * Experience supporting autonomous spacecraft capabilities or autonomous mission execution concepts * Experience with Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), autonomous navigation systems, or propulsive maneuver planning and execution * Experience in fast-paced aerospace, defense, or startup environments * Systems engineering experience including requirements management and verification planning * Experience applying AI-enabled engineering tools and workflows * Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through rapid development cycles * Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and spacecraft architecture development ## Description We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Software Systems Engineer III to lead the development of spacecraft software architectures, mission operations capabilities, and system-level engineering solutions. This role is ideal for an engineer who can bridge software development and systems engineering disciplines while driving technical solutions from concept development through mission operations. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for the design, architecture, integration, verification, and deployment of advanced spacecraft software and system-level capabilities. You will collaborate closely with experts across flight software, ground software, autonomy, mission operations, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), communications, and spacecraft subsystems to ensure successful mission execution while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Where You''ll Make an Impact * Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft software and system-level solutions * Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, verification plans, and technical baselines * Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful system integration and mission execution * Collaborate with subject matter experts across software, spacecraft systems, mission operations, autonomy, navigation, and communications disciplines * Define and manage interfaces between Flight Software (FSW), Ground Software (GSW), mission operations systems, and spacecraft hardware * Support the development, integration, testing, and deployment of spacecraft systems and software * Conduct system architecture trades and technical assessments to support program objectives * Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, and design decision processes * Support mission planning, operations concept development, and spacecraft operational readiness activities * Mentor junior engineers and contribute to systems engineering best practices and organizational standards * Support customer interactions, technical presentations, and executive-level program reviews * Drive resolution of complex technical issues throughout the development lifecycle * Contribute directly to software development efforts as needed