Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Manufacturing

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer III to design and develop test infrastructure for electric propulsion systems. This role requires a strong background in integration and test, including vacuum chamber operations and environmental testing.

With competitive compensation and opportunities for growth, this position supports crucial technology for spacecraft propulsion and offers a hands-on, impactful environment.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in environmental testing.
• Experience with writing and executing test procedures.
• Ability to work with high-precision hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GSE for electric propulsion systems.
• Set up and operate vacuum chamber test environments.
• Write test procedures and safety documentation.
• Execute EP test campaigns end-to-end.

Skills

Hands‑on integration and test experience

Writing and executing test procedures

Familiarity with vacuum systems

Cross-disciplinary interfacing

Attention to process and safety

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA

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.

Quantum Space is seeking a GSE Test Engineer II to support the development and validation of electric propulsion (EP) technologies. This role is a strong fit for an engineer coming from a flight hardware integration and test background — someone who has written procedures, run environmental test campaigns, and worked hands‑on with complex systems in controlled environments. You'll bring that discipline and rigor to building and operating our in‑house EP test capability.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Design and develop GSE and test infrastructure for electric propulsion systems, including thrusters, feed systems, and support equipment
• Set up, configure, and operate vacuum chamber test environments for EP testing
• Write and own test procedures, safety documentation, and operational workflows
• Execute EP test campaigns end‑to‑end: integration, operation, data collection, and troubleshooting
• Operate and maintain vacuum systems including turbo, cryo, and roughing pumps, valves, and gauges
• Troubleshoot vacuum performance issues including leaks, contamination, and system instability
• Support instrumentation and data acquisition system implementation
• Contribute to test system requirements covering vacuum performance, thermal constraints, and instrumentation
• Work cross‑functionally with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and AI&T teams to support test readiness

What It Takes

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3-7 years of hands‑on integration and test experience, including environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, or similar)
• Experience writing and executing test procedures for complex hardware
• Familiarity with vacuum systems or thermal vacuum chamber operations
• Ability to interface across engineering disciplines — mechanical, electrical, thermal — in a test environment
• Comfortable working hands‑on with flight‑grade or high‑precision hardware
• Strong attention to process, documentation, and operational safety
• Located in or willing to relocate to the LA area

Nice‑to‑Have Experience

• Any exposure to electric propulsion systems or concepts
• Experience with GSE design or fabrication
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, PLCs, or data acquisition systems
• Exposure to gas delivery or high‑voltage systems
• Contamination control and cleanroom experience

What You'll Get

• Hands‑On Ownership – Real responsibility on live test hardware from day one
• Impact – Direct contribution to core spacecraft propulsion technology
• Growth – Expand from instrument I&T into propulsion systems and space vehicle test infrastructure
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 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.

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.