Chief Engineer - Quantum for Aerospace

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. 

Location 

Infleqtion has 6 office locations, operating out of Austin, TX; Boulder/Louisville, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; London, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This position is a full-time, hybrid position which will be in our Louisville, Colorado offices. 

Position Summary 

We are seeking a technically exceptional and mission-driven Chief Engineer (CE) to lead the end-to-end technical execution of a cutting-edge space payload development program. As the technical authority, you will ensure that all engineering activities align with mission objectives, meet customer requirements, and integrate effectively across disciplines. The CE will partner with the Program Manager, Chief Scientist, and program IPT Leads to deliver a system that is technically compliant, on time, and within budget. 

Job Responsibilities 

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned. 

Technical Authority & Leadership 

• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for the program, owning the end-to-end system design and architecture. 

• Make final decisions on key trade-offs, technical issues, and risk mitigations. 

• In cooperation with the Systems Engineering IPT Lead and Chief Scientist, approve and support definition, maintenance, and evolution of the technical baseline throughout the program lifecycle. 

System Design & Integration 

• Provide oversight of design activities and ensure proper system decomposition, interface definition, and integration across subsystems. 

• Ensure all engineering outputs comply with mission needs, requirement specifications, and lifecycle performance. 

Verification, Validation, and Test Readiness 

• Approve the system-level V&V strategy, including test plans, procedures, and success criteria. 

• Ensure the system is technically ready for major test campaigns and mission use. 

• Lead or approve critical events, such as TRRs for TVAC, shock/vibe, and EMI/EMC. 

Technical Risk & Issue Management 

• Identify, own, and drive resolution of high-impact technical risks and issues. 

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for anomalies and failures. 

• Champion technical excellence and rigorous engineering processes.  Utilize experience during program execution to support continuous improvement of company engineering principles, practices, and procedures. 

Customer & Stakeholder Interface 

• Serve as the technical counterpart to the customer’s chief engineer or technical authority. 

• Represent/support the engineering team at major program and customer reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.). 

• Communicate technical progress, risks, and trade studies with transparency and confidence. 

Engineering Team Leadership 

• Provide day-to-day technical mentorship to subsystem leads and IPTs. 

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance engineering culture. 

• As required, review and approve technical work products and engineering documentation. 

Compliance and Standards 

• Ensure the program adheres to relevant engineering standards and quality requirements (e.g., NASA/ESA SE standards, AS9100, MIL-STD-881, ECSS). 

• Interface with mission assurance, quality, and safety teams to ensure compliant execution. 

Programmatic and Strategic Support 

• Work closely with the Program Manager to ensure technical execution supports cost and schedule objectives. 

• Support ECP development, design-to-cost efforts, EAC reviews, and strategic technology roadmapping. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting aerospace or spaceflight systems. 

• Proven experience as a technical lead or chief engineer on a complex, multi-disciplinary development program. 

• Deep understanding of the full product development lifecycle, from concept through launch and operations. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant technical field. 

• Prior experience as a technical expert on developmental space system payloads, particularly in RF, EO/IR, or related missions. 

• Expertise with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, SysML). 

• Experience with system-level testing in TVAC, EMI/EMC, or Vibe environments. 

• Active TS/SCI clearance, or ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (Secret or higher). 

Tools & Platforms Used 

• Requirements: Jama or similar for systems engineering and requirements management 

• Architecture & Modeling: Cameo, Rhapsody, SysML/UML 

• Analysis: Ansys/STK, COMSOL, python, thermal/structural FEA tools 

• Configuration & Risk Management: JIRA, Risk Registers, FMEA 

Core Competencies 

• Leadership: Inspires technical teams and drives to closure 

• Systems Thinking: Balances performance, integration, schedule, and risk 

• Communication: Engages with internal teams and external customers with clarity and credibility 

• Technical Depth: Commands respect through experience, knowledge, and mentorship 

• Integrity: Upholds engineering excellence and mission assurance 

The targeted salary range for this role is $170,000 to $210,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching Programs
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
• Paid FMLA Leave
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employer Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].