Mechanical Engineer III - Tank Development Lead

Quantum Space; Rockville, Hawthorne (MD, CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) matching

Generous leave

FSA

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III - Tank Development Lead to own propulsion tank hardware from requirements through testing. You will lead end-to-end mechanical design, interface with propulsion, AIT, and manufacturing teams, and drive robust verification and design reviews in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in aerospace hardware, strong Creo skills, and familiarity with PLM systems, pressure vessels, and GD&T.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of aerospace/space hardware development experience.
• Proficiency in Creo; working knowledge of Windchill or similar PLM.
• Familiarity with propulsion system component design, fabrication, and qualification.
• Familiarity with aerospace pressure vessels and qualification.
• 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.

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.
• Support spacecraft build and integration: issue triage, root-cause collaboration, design updates.
• Develop and execute verification plans: functional checks, fit checks, environmental test prep.
• Support design reviews (PDR/CDR), test readiness, and configuration boards with technical content.
• Coordinate with suppliers and procurement: clarify requirements, review vendor designs, disposition.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace hardware

Technical leadership

Root cause analysis

Mechanical systems integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill or PLM

Job description

Mechanical Engineer III - Tank Development Lead

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 an experienced and highly motivated Mechanical Engineer II - Tank Development Lead to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of flight hardware for our Propulsion Tanks Team. In this role, you will take ownership of mechanical components and subsystems throughout the full hardware development lifecycle, from requirements definition and detailed design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing.

You will play a critical role in developing reliable, high-performance propulsion tank hardware that supports our next‑generation spacecraft systems. Working closely with mechanical engineering, propulsion engineering, assembly, integration and test (AIT), manufacturing, and supplier teams, you will help ensure that hardware meets demanding technical, structural, and mission requirements. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong mechanical design expertise, hands‑on aerospace hardware development experience, and the ability to independently lead technical execution in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

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+ years relevant experience with aerospace/space hardware development
• Proficiency in Creo; working knowledge of Windchill or similar PLM
• Familiarity with propulsion system component design, fabrication, and qualification
• Familiarity with aerospace pressure vessels and qualification
• 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

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Spacecraft and/or Launch Vehicle integration exposure: mass properties, alignment, configuration capture, as‑built management
• Knowledge of various FEA tools and structural testing methods
• Experience with various weld types and applications (TIG, laser, friction stir welding, etc.)

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Lead the mechanical design and development of mission‑critical propulsion tank hardware from initial requirements through integration and testing
• Innovation – Contribute to advanced propulsion technologies and next‑generation spacecraft systems enabling greater mobility, maneuverability, and mission flexibility
• Impact – Play a direct role in developing reliable, high‑performance propulsion hardware supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a collaborative, fast‑paced engineering team where you can expand your technical expertise, take ownership of meaningful projects, and help shape the future of space technology
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.