Quality Engineer II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401(k) matching

Medical, dental, vision

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Quality Engineer II to support hardware build, integration, and test operations across spacecraft programs. This hands‑on role drives product quality, process discipline, and continuous improvement throughout Integration & Test (I&T) by working with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to identify issues and implement lasting solutions.

You will maintain high‑reliability standards across vehicle assembly and verification, performing inspections and audits while

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of directly related quality or engineering experience in aerospace/high‑reliability hardware environments.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, BOMs, and work orders to verify conformity.
• Experience leading root‑cause investigations and driving RCCA/CAPA to closure.
• Hands‑on experience supporting hardware integration and test environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures and in‑process inspection plans for I&T processes.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, BOMs, and work orders to verify product conformity.
• Lead investigations into quality escapes and nonconformances using structured root cause methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Apply RCCA, SPC, and FMEA to improve product and process quality and drive CAPA closure.
• Perform, witness, and monitor incoming, in‑process, and acceptance inspections and tests across hardware build and pre‑launch activities.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Hardware integration & test

Environmental testing

Documentation interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

NASA/IPC certifications

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 Quality Engineer II to support hardware build, integration, and test operations across our spacecraft programs. This role is critical to ensuring mission success by driving product quality, process discipline, and continuous improvement throughout Integration & Test (I&T). This is a hands‑on role for someone who thrives in fast‑paced hardware environments and can work cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to identify issues, drive root cause, and implement lasting solutions. You will play a key role in maintaining high‑reliability standards across all phases of vehicle assembly and verification.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures, including in‑process inspection plans to ensure stable and capable I&T processes
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, BOMs, and work orders to verify product conformity
• Lead investigations into quality escapes and nonconformances using structured root cause methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Apply industry‑standard quality tools and methodologies, including RCCA, SPC, and FMEA
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence and improve overall product and process quality
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through quality tools and error‑proofing techniques
• Perform, witness, and monitor incoming, in‑process, and acceptance inspections and tests across hardware build and pre‑launch activities
• Verify compliance with procedures governing contamination control, cleanroom operations, lifting and handling, hazardous operations, and ESD control
• Ensure all work is executed against the latest approved drawings and procedures
• Ensure measurement and test equipment remains within calibration and compliant with program requirements
• Support internal and external audits, including customer and agency reviews

What It Takes

• 3–5 years of directly related quality or engineering experience, preferably in aerospace, spacecraft, or other high‑reliability hardware environments
• Strong ability to interpret engineering documentation and verify hardware against requirements
• Experience leading root‑cause investigations and driving RCCA/CAPA to closure
• Hands‑on experience supporting hardware integration and test environments
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• Ability to obtain and maintain NASA and IPC workmanship certifications (J‑STD‑001, NASA‑STD‑8739 series); current certifications strongly preferred
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to operate effectively in cross‑disciplinary teams
• High attention to detail with a focus on process discipline and execution

Nice‑to‑Have Experience

• Current NASA or IPC certifications (J‑STD‑001, NASA‑STD‑8739.4, NASA‑STD‑8739.1)
• Experience in cleanroom environments and contamination‑controlled processes
• Background supporting spacecraft or flight hardware programs
• Familiarity with metrology systems, calibration programs, and inspection tooling
• Experience supporting customer or government audits

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Direct impact on spacecraft quality and mission success
• Innovation – Develop and implement quality solutions that improve manufacturing processes, strengthen mission assurance, and enable the successful delivery of next‑generation spacecraft
• Impact – Help ensure every spacecraft meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability before launch
• Growth – Opportunity to develop deep expertise in spacecraft integration and high‑reliability system
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary

$100,000 to $150,000

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 required authorizations.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.