Propulsion Engineer II

InvestedintheMission; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD / Hawthorne, CA seeks an Engineer II – Propulsion to advance propulsion hardware including tanks and pumps for high-mobility spacecraft. You will work across propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations from concept through flight operations.

The role emphasizes ownership of hardware development, solving complex technical challenges, and delivering flight-ready propulsion systems for national security, civil, and commercial missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience developing propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace hardware.
• Experience designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and integrating propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, qualify, integrate, and support propulsion hardware for high-mobility spacecraft.
• Collaborate with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct propulsion system trade studies and evaluations to inform architecture decisions.
• Develop engineering analyses, models, and documentation to support hardware development.
• Ensure hardware delivery on schedule while meeting technical and program objectives.
• Support integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and mission readiness.
• Investigate anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to propulsion engineering standards and continuous process improvements.
• Participate in System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), CDR, TRR, and FRR.

Job description

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 motivated and technically drivenEngineer II – Propulsion to contribute to the development of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions. In this role, you will help design, develop, qualify, integrate, and support flight propulsion hardware that enables high-mobility spacecraft for national security, civil, and commercial space applications.

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams, you will support propulsion hardware throughout the full product lifecycle—from concept development through flight operations. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, taking ownership of hardware development, and contributing directly to flight-ready spacecraft systems.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Contribute to the design, development, and qualification of propellant tanks, pumps, and advanced spacecraft propulsion systems
• Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, integration, and flight support activities
• Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions
• Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation supporting propulsion hardware development
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver propulsion hardware on schedule while meeting technical and program objectives
• Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
• Investigate propulsion hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Contribute to the development of propulsion engineering standards, best practices, and continuous process improvements
• Support technical reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
• Operate within a fast-paced development environment focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and mission success

What It Takes

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience developing propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace hardware
• Experience designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and integrating propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience leading significant engineering tasks supporting the development of propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Experience performing performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience designing, analyzing, or testing propellant management devices (PMDs)
• Experience with laser welding, friction stir welding, or other advanced aerospace manufacturing processes
• Experience machining aerospace-grade components using CNC equipment
• Experience testing propulsion systems utilizing propellants such as hydrazine and MON-3
• Experience designing gear pumps, pump motors, or other spacecraft fluid system components
• Experience supporting fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs
• Experience utilizing AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Take responsibility for mission-critical propulsion hardware and systems from concept through flight
• Innovation – Help develop advanced propulsion technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility and maneuverability
• Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a multidisciplinary engineering team where you'll contribute across propulsion development, integration, testing, and mission executionCompensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $110,000–$160,000

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, technical expertise, critical skills, and 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.