Senior Engineer (Engineer III) / Principal Engineer (Engineer IV) – Propulsion

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

2d•$160,000 - $230,000

About The Position

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. We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer III / Principal Engineer IV – Propulsion Systems to lead the development of advanced flight-qualified propellant tanks and spacecraft propulsion systems supporting next-generation Ranger missions. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle—from architecture and concept development through design, manufacturing, qualification, integration, and flight operations. Depending on your experience and technical expertise, you will serve as the technical lead for either propellant tank development or spacecraft propulsion subsystem development, driving innovation across chemical and electric propulsion technologies. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about delivering flight-ready hardware for demanding national security, civil, and commercial space missions.

Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
7+ years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience (for Senior Engineer III)
Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams through major project milestones (for Senior Engineer III)
Experience leading low- to medium-complexity propulsion or spacecraft development efforts (for Senior Engineer III)
Recognized technical contributor with strong engineering judgment and decision-making skills (for Senior Engineer III)
Experience managing technical schedules, program execution, and engineering priorities (for Senior Engineer III)
10+ years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience (for Principal Engineer IV)
Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex spacecraft development programs (for Principal Engineer IV)
Established technical leadership across medium- to high-complexity engineering efforts (for Principal Engineer IV)
Recognized subject matter expert with experience influencing technical direction across programs or organizations (for Principal Engineer IV)
Experience managing technical schedules, budgets, and program execution (for Principal Engineer IV)
Design, analysis, fabrication, testing, and integration of spacecraft propellant tanks
Pressure vessel design standards, structural qualification, and range safety compliance
Propellant management techniques for microgravity environments, including slosh dynamics
Tank fabrication and welding processes, including weld evaluation and quality assurance
Design, analysis, fabrication, integration, testing, and operation of spacecraft propulsion systems
Spacecraft pressure systems, propulsion architecture, and range safety requirements
Integration of propulsion systems with spacecraft avionics, structures, thermal, power, and mission systems
Chemical and electric propulsion technologies, propulsion components, and spacecraft propulsion architectures
Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities supporting spacecraft propulsion subsystem verification and vehicle integration
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.

Nice To Haves

3+ years leading engineering teams developing spacecraft propulsion systems or propellant tanks
Experience supporting fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs
Systems engineering experience including requirements development, interface management, verification, and validation planning
Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, project management methodologies, or continuous improvement practices
Experience utilizing AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools
Experience leading rapid hardware development programs from prototype through flight qualification
Broad spacecraft systems knowledge beyond propulsion, including power, structures, avionics, thermal, or GNC
Subject matter expertise in spacecraft propulsion components such as valves, regulators, thrusters, pressure vessels, feed systems, or fluid control devices

Responsibilities

Lead the development of advanced propellant tanks or spacecraft propulsion systems from concept through flight qualification and mission operations
Provide technical leadership across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, integration, qualification, and flight support activities
Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission-critical hardware on schedule and within program objectives
Serve as the technical authority for propulsion system architecture, subsystem design, and component development
Conduct propulsion trade studies and system architecture evaluations to optimize spacecraft performance, reliability, and operational flexibility
Drive technical program execution, risk reduction strategies, development planning, and long-range technology roadmaps
Support customer engagements, executive program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and design reviews
Mentor and develop engineers across multiple disciplines while promoting technical excellence and engineering best practices
Lead resolution of complex technical and programmatic issues throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen propulsion engineering processes, technical standards, and organizational capabilities