Mechanical Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead the design and development of electric propulsion hardware for flight, spanning concept to qualification. You’ll work at the intersection of mechanical design, thermal management, and high-performance hardware, coordinating with propulsion, systems, and test teams.

The role demands 5–10+ years in hardware development for aerospace, strong Creo and GD&T skills, and on-site work in the Los Angeles area.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5–10+ years of hardware development experience in high-performance aerospace systems
• Proficiency in Creo (or similar CAD) and drawing release processes
• Deep understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience owning hardware through full lifecycle (design → build → test → qualification/flight)
• Strong background in structural and thermal analysis
• Ability to work on-site in the Los Angeles area

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of electric propulsion subsystems (thruster assemblies, structural interfaces, feed systems, thermal management hardware)
• Lead architecture and packaging trades for propulsion integration
• Develop and release high-quality CAD models and drawings with full GD&T
• Perform and guide structural and thermal analysis (including high-temperature and vacuum environments)
• Drive integration and testing of propulsion systems, including anomaly resolution and root cause analysis
• Define and execute verification strategies (analysis, inspection, test)
• Lead design reviews (PDR/CDR) and communicate technical decisions clearly
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners for precision and high-performance components
• Mentor junior engineers and elevate team technical capability
• Ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability requirements

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead the design and development of electric propulsion hardware and associated subsystems, from concept through flight.

This role is intended for an experienced engineer who can own propulsion-related hardware, drive design decisions, and deliver flight-ready systems. You will operate at the intersection of mechanical design, thermal management, and high-performance hardware development, working closely with propulsion, systems, and test teams.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Own mechanical design of electric propulsion subsystems (thruster assemblies, structural interfaces, feed systems, thermal management hardware)
• Lead architecture and packaging trades for propulsion integration
• Develop and release high-quality CAD models and drawings with full GD&T
• Perform and guide structural and thermal analysis (including high-temperature and vacuum environments)
• Drive integration and testing of propulsion systems, including anomaly resolution and root cause analysis
• Define and execute verification strategies (analysis, inspection, test)
• Lead design reviews (PDR/CDR) and communicate technical decisions clearly
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners for precision and high-performance components
• Mentor junior engineers and elevate team technical capability
• Ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability requirements

What It Takes

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5–10+ years of experience developing hardware, preferably in high-performance aerospace systems
• Strong proficiency in Creo (or similar CAD) and drawing release processes
• Deep understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience owning hardware through full lifecycle (design → build → test → qualification/flight)
• Strong background in structural and thermal analysis
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts and drive decisions
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
• Ability to work on-site in the LA area

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Direct experience with electric propulsion systems
• Familiarity with plasma environments and material selection for EP systems
• Experience with thermal management in high-power-density systems
• Proficiency with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.)
• Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, life testing)
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Windchill or similar)

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Lead development of critical propulsion hardware
• Technical Depth – Work on cutting-edge electric propulsion systems
• Leadership – Mentor engineers and influence system architecture
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits

Location

Compensation

$125,000 to $155,000 Annual Salary Depending on Experience

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 required authorizations.