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Quantum Space

Propulsion Engineer II

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA; Quantum Space - Hawthorne, CA; Quantum Space - Rockville, MD (HQ)United States
Mid-level · Engineering
POSTED 29 OCTVERIFIED 1D AGO
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Role
11 days opentrue age
Posted 29 Oct
Pay
$112k–$150kno pay posted
Market p25–p75
$112k–$150k
United States · n=429 · 365d to 6 Nov
CompanyQuantum Space →
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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 motivated and technically driven Engineer II – Propulsion to contribute to the development of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions. In this role, you will help design, develop, qualify, integrate, and support flight propulsion hardware that enables high-mobility spacecraft for national security, civil, and commercial space applications.

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams, you will support propulsion hardware throughout the full product lifecycle—from concept development through flight operations. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, taking ownership of hardware development, and contributing directly to flight-ready spacecraft systems.

Where You'll Make an Impact

  • Contribute to the design, development, and qualification of propellant tanks, pumps, and advanced spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, integration, and flight support activities
  • Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions
  • Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation supporting propulsion hardware development
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver propulsion hardware on schedule while meeting technical and program objectives
  • Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
  • Investigate propulsion hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
  • Contribute to the development of propulsion engineering standards, best practices, and continuous process improvements
  • Support technical reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
  • Operate within a fast-paced development environment focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and mission success

What It Takes

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of experience developing propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace hardware
  • Experience designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and integrating propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience leading significant engineering tasks supporting the development of propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Experience performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Experience performing performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Experience designing, analyzing, or testing propellant management devices (PMDs)
  • Experience with laser welding, friction stir welding, or other advanced aerospace manufacturing processes
  • Experience machining aerospace-grade components using CNC equipment
  • Experience testing propulsion systems utilizing propellants such as hydrazine and MON-3
  • Experience designing gear pumps, pump motors, or other spacecraft fluid system components
  • Experience supporting fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs
  • Experience utilizing AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools
Source · Quantum SpaceFirst seen 7 NovOriginal ↗