Propulsion Engineer II (Analyst)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous Leave

HSA

401(k) Matching

Equity Participation

Job summary

Quantum Space is redefining space mobility with high-mobility propulsion platforms for national security, civil, and commercial missions. We seek a Propulsion Engineer II to develop and analyze propellant tanks, pumps, and propulsion systems across the product lifecycle.

You will perform CFD and piping analyses, collaborate across engineering teams, and contribute to flight-ready hardware while solving complex propulsion challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years with propulsion or fluid systems in aerospace.
• Experience with SINDA/FLUINT or GFSSP; CFD with ANSYS Fluent or STAR-CCM+.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute piping network analyses for propulsion and fluid systems.
• Perform CFD analyses including Volume of Fluid (VOF) and plume analyses.
• Conduct propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Develop analytical models and technical documentation supporting propulsion hardware.
• Analyze propulsion and fluid system performance and provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver propulsion solutions that meet objectives.
• Investigate propulsion system anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and develop recommendations.
• Support technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR).

Skills

Propulsion Systems

Fluid Systems

CFD Analysis

SINDA/FLUINT

GFSSP

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

Root-Cause Analysis

Collaboration

Technical Communication

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

SINDA/FLUINT

GFSSP

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

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 driven Propulsion Engineer II to contribute to the development and analysis of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions.

In this role, you will perform fluid systems and computational fluid dynamics analyses that inform the development and performance of spacecraft propulsion systems. You will work closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams to solve complex technical challenges and support propulsion hardware throughout the product lifecycle.

This position is ideal for an engineer with strong analytical capabilities who enjoys solving complex fluid dynamics and propulsion problems, developing high-quality engineering models, and contributing directly to flight-ready spacecraft systems.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop and execute piping network analyses for spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems
• Develop and execute computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, including Volume of Fluid (VOF) and plume analyses
• Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions
• Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation supporting propulsion system and hardware development
• Analyze propulsion and fluid system performance and provide technical recommendations based on modeling and simulation results
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver propulsion solutions that meet technical and program objectives
• Investigate propulsion system and hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and develop technically sound recommendations
• Contribute to the development of propulsion engineering standards, analytical 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 working with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace applications
• Experience developing and executing piping network analyses using commercial analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT or GFSSP
• Experience developing and executing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Volume of Fluid (VOF) and plume analyses using commercial CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent or STAR-CCM+
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex technical analyses while collaborating effectively with engineers and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience designing spacecraft propulsion systems, fluid systems, propellant tanks, pumps, or related aerospace hardware
• Experience integrating spacecraft propulsion systems or related fluid system hardware
• Experience planning, executing, or supporting propulsion system or component testing and qualification
• Experience leading significant engineering tasks supporting the development of propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Experience performing performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
• 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 subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, or mission readiness
• 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 analyses and engineering efforts supporting spacecraft systems from development through flight
• Innovation – Help develop advanced propulsion technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility and maneuverability
• Impact – Contribute to reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a multidisciplinary engineering team where you'll contribute to complex propulsion challenges and expand your expertise across spacecraft development and mission execution
• Compensation – 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 to $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, 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 hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential 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 measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis 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.