Senior Engineer (Engineer III) / Principal Engineer (Engineer IV) – Propulsion

Quantum Space; Hawthorne, Rockville (CA, MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity participation

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Senior Engineer III / Principal Engineer IV specializing in propulsion systems to drive the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion technologies. This role requires at least 10 years of experience in aerospace engineering and a strong expertise in managing complex technical projects.

Join our dynamic team dedicated to national security, civil, and commercial space missions. We offer competitive salary and substantial benefits, ensuring a significant impact on future space operations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through spacecraft development.
• Recognized subject matter expert in propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of propulsion systems and tanks.
• Provide technical leadership across engineering activities.
• Mentor engineers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Multidisciplinary engineering leadership

Propulsion system expertise

Project management

Strong decision-making

Education

Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools

Testing and integration software

Job description

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

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.

Position

Senior Engineer III / Principal Engineer IV – Propulsion Systems

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced propellant tanks or spacecraft propulsion systems from concept through flight qualification and mission operations.
• Provide technical leadership across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, integration, qualification, and flight support activities.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission‑critical hardware on schedule and within program objectives.
• Serve as the technical authority for propulsion system architecture, subsystem design, and component development.
• Conduct propulsion trade studies and system architecture evaluations to optimize spacecraft performance, reliability, and operational flexibility.
• Drive technical program execution, risk‑reduction strategies, development planning, and long‑range technology roadmaps.
• Support customer engagements, executive program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and design reviews.
• Mentor and develop engineers across multiple disciplines while promoting technical excellence and engineering best practices.
• Lead resolution of complex technical and programmatic issues throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen propulsion engineering processes, technical standards, and organizational capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex spacecraft development programs.
• Experience managing technical schedules, budgets, and program execution.
• Recognized subject matter expert with experience influencing technical direction across programs or organizations.
• Leadership experience on low‑ to medium‑complexity propulsion or spacecraft development efforts.
• Strong engineering judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Experience managing technical schedules, program execution, and engineering priorities.

Technical Expertise

• Design, analysis, fabrication, testing, and integration of spacecraft propellant tanks.
• Pressure vessel design standards, structural qualification, and range safety compliance.
• Propellant management techniques for microgravity environments, including slosh dynamics.
• Tank fabrication and welding processes, including weld evaluation and quality assurance.
• Design, analysis, fabrication, integration, testing, and operation of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Spacecraft pressure systems, propulsion architecture, and range safety requirements.
• Integration of propulsion systems with spacecraft avionics, structures, thermal, power, and mission systems.
• Experience with chemical and electric propulsion technologies, propulsion components, and spacecraft propulsion architectures.
• Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities supporting spacecraft propulsion subsystem verification and vehicle integration.

Nice‑to‑Have Experience

• 3+ years leading engineering teams developing spacecraft propulsion systems or propellant tanks.
• Experience supporting fast‑paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs.
• Systems engineering experience including requirements development, interface management, verification, and validation planning.
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, project management methodologies, or continuous improvement practices.
• Experience utilizing AI‑enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools.
• Experience leading rapid hardware development programs from prototype through flight qualification.
• Broad spacecraft systems knowledge beyond propulsion, including power, structures, avionics, thermal, or GNC.
• Subject matter expertise in spacecraft propulsion components such as valves, regulators, thrusters, pressure vessels, feed systems, or fluid control devices.

Benefits

• Ownership – Lead the development of mission‑critical spacecraft propulsion systems and propellant tanks supporting advanced Ranger missions.
• Innovation – Help develop next‑generation propulsion technologies enabling agile, high‑mobility space operations.
• Impact – Deliver flight‑ready propulsion hardware supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions.
• Growth – Join a multidisciplinary engineering team where you’ll influence spacecraft architecture, propulsion technology, and mission execution.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Quantum Space does not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.