Propulsion Technician II

Socket.dev; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 33,062 - 66,124; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Generous leave

HSA

401(k) matching

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a skilled Technician II – Propulsion to support the assembly, integration, testing, and fueling of spacecraft propulsion systems for Ranger missions. You will perform AI&T activities ensuring flight readiness of propulsion hardware.

Work with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver reliable propulsion systems in a fast‑paced development environment, with 3+ years of relevant experience required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in assembly, integration, and test within aerospace/high‑reliability manufacturing industries.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem‑solving skills.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, and procedures.
• Familiarity with precision mechanical assembly techniques, fluid systems, and hand/power tools.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform AI&T activities for development and flight propulsion systems and components.
• Execute hazardous spacecraft fueling and propellant handling operations per procedures and safety protocols.
• Support propulsion hardware integration, verification, qualification, and mission readiness throughout the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot propulsion hardware, fluid systems, and test equipment; support root‑cause analysis.
• Provide feedback to engineering to improve propulsion designs and production efficiency.
• Maintain accurate build records and test documentation in line with quality standards.
• Operate safely within a fast‑paced, high‑reliability development environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of propulsion manufacturing and testing processes.

Skills

A&I Testing

Mechanical Troubleshooting

Reading Drawings

Hand & Power Tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

CNC machines

CAD software

Measurement tools

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 skilled and hands-on Technician II – Propulsion to support the assembly, integration, testing, and fueling of spacecraft propulsion systems and components for next-generation Ranger missions. In this role, you will perform critical Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities supporting the development, qualification, and flight readiness of mission-critical propulsion hardware.

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams, you will help deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions. This position is ideal for a technician who enjoys working directly with hardware, solving technical challenges, and contributing to the successful execution of spacecraft programs in a fast-paced development environment.

Where You\'ll Make an Impact

• Perform assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) activities for development and flight spacecraft propulsion systems and components
• Execute hazardous spacecraft fueling and propellant handling operations in accordance with approved procedures, safety protocols, and operational requirements
• Support propulsion hardware integration, verification, qualification, and mission readiness activities throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle
• Troubleshoot propulsion hardware, fluid systems, and test equipment while supporting anomaly investigations and root-cause analysis
• Provide manufacturing, integration, and testability feedback to engineering teams to improve propulsion system designs and production efficiency
• Perform leak checks, pressure testing, fluid system verification, and propulsion subsystem functional testing
• Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign preparations, and mission operations as required
• Maintain accurate build records, test documentation, and hardware configuration in accordance with established quality standards
• Operate safely and effectively within a fast-paced, high-reliability spacecraft development environment
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen propulsion manufacturing, integration, and testing processes

What It Takes

• High school diploma or GED (technical certification or associate degree preferred)
• 3+ years of experience performing assembly, integration, and test activities within the spacecraft, aerospace, automotive, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing industries
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute assigned tasks with minimal supervision
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical procedures
• Familiarity with precision mechanical assembly techniques, fluid systems, and hand and power tools
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering and production teams
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, hands-on development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Hands-on experience performing spacecraft propulsion Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities
• Experience supporting spacecraft fueling and hazardous propellant handling operations
• Experience performing semi-automated tube welding and fluid system fabrication
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and executing spacecraft AI&T procedures
• Experience performing leak checks, pressure testing, proof testing, and fluid system verification
• Experience operating CNC equipment to machine aerospace-grade components
• Experience creating or interpreting CAD models, engineering drawings, and mechanical assembly documentation
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, hazardous operations, and aerospace quality standards

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Contribute directly to the development, integration, and operation of mission-critical spacecraft propulsion systems
• Innovation – Support advanced propulsion technologies enabling next-generation space mobility and maneuverability
• Impact – Help deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion hardware supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a collaborative engineering and production team at the center of spacecraft development, integration, 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

Hourly Range: $24-48/hr

The 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, certifications, 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.