Mechanical Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own flight hardware development for Spacecraft Programs. Lead from requirements to released design, through build, integration and test while partnering with AIT and manufacturing.

You will drive end-to-end mechanical ownership, develop Creo drawings with GD&T, support verification, and participate in PDR/CDR reviews to advance mission-ready hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of aerospace/space hardware development.
• Proficiency in Creo; working knowledge of Windchill or PLM.
• Strong GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5) and drawing discipline.
• Work location within the DMV area.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical components/subsystems end-to-end: requirements, design, analysis coordination, release, and integration support.
• Develop CAD and drawings in Creo; apply GD&T and define inspectable requirements.
• Drive interface closure: envelope/keep-outs, fastener patterns, datums, alignment needs, harness/thermal accommodations.
• Support spacecraft build and integration: issue triage, rapid root-cause collaboration, and corrective design updates.
• Develop and execute verification plans: functional checks, fit checks, environmental test prep support, and acceptance/qualification evidence generation.
• Support design reviews (PDR/CDR), test readiness reviews, and configuration boards with clear technical content.
• Coordinate with suppliers and procurement: clarify requirements, review vendor designs, and support receiving/inspection disposition.

Skills

GD&T fundamentals

Mechanical design

Drafting standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

Job description

Mechanical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

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 Senior Mechanical Engineer to own flight hardware development on our Spacecraft Programs. This role is built for an engineer who can take a subsystem/component from requirements to a released design, through build, integration, and test—while collaborating tightly with AIT and manufacturing.

Senior-level expectations include independent ownership of deliverables and leadership of technical execution for meaningful scopes.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Own mechanical components/subsystems end-to-end: requirements, design, analysis coordination, release, and integration support
• Develop CAD and drawings in Creo; apply GD&T and define inspectable requirements
• Drive interface closure: envelope/keep-outs, fastener patterns, datums, alignment needs, harness/thermal accommodations
• Support spacecraft build and integration: issue triage, rapid root-cause collaboration, and corrective design updates
• Develop and execute verification plans: functional checks, fit checks, environmental test prep support, and acceptance/qualification evidence generation
• Support design reviews (PDR/CDR), test readiness reviews, and configuration boards with clear technical content
• Coordinate with suppliers and procurement: clarify requirements, review vendor designs, and support receiving/inspection disposition

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7+ yearsrelevant experience with aerospace/space hardware development
• Proficiency in Creo; working knowledge of Windchill or similar PLM
• Strong GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5) and drawing package quality discipline
• Experience supporting hardware through build/test cycles, not just design-in-a-vacuum
• Work location within the DMV area

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience writing or reviewing work instructions / build travelers
• Familiarity with environmental testing and test readiness processes

What You’ll Get

• Ownership– Real flight hardware responsibility
• Innovation – Solve challenging mechanical design, integration, and verification problems while advancing the spacecraft technologies that enable next-generation space mobility.
• Impact– Direct contribution to mission success
• Growth– Path to subsystem leadership and principal ownership
• Compensation–Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Base Salary: $145,000 to $195,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a 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.

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