Propulsion Engineer II

Quantum Space • Hawthorne, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Quantum Space is seeking a motivated, technically driven Propulsion Engineer II to contribute to the development of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions. The engineer will help design, develop, qualify, integrate, and support flight propulsion hardware for high-mobility spacecraft serving national security, civil, and commercial space applications.

Working with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams, the engineer will support propulsion hardware throughout its product lifecycle, from concept development through flight operations. The role involves technical ownership, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing directly to flight-ready spacecraft systems in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.

The position is located in Rockville, Maryland, or Hawthorne, California. The estimated base salary range is $110,000–$160,000. Applicants must meet U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 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.
• Ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading significant engineering tasks supporting 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 using 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 using AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions.
• Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation for propulsion hardware development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver propulsion hardware on schedule and meet 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 propulsion engineering standards, best practices, and continuous process improvements.
• Support technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
• Work in a fast-paced development environment focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and mission success.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Equity participation and competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers
• Medical benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Generous leave
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) matching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level