Senior Mechanical Engineer, Electric Propulsion (Spacecraft)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead the design and development of electric propulsion hardware for flight, spanning concept to qualification. You’ll work at the intersection of mechanical design, thermal management, and high-performance hardware, coordinating with propulsion, systems, and test teams.

The role demands 5–10+ years in hardware development for aerospace, strong Creo and GD&T skills, and on-site work in the Los Angeles area.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5–10+ years of hardware development experience in high-performance aerospace systems
• Proficiency in Creo (or similar CAD) and drawing release processes
• Deep understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience owning hardware through full lifecycle (design → build → test → qualification/flight)
• Strong background in structural and thermal analysis
• Ability to work on-site in the Los Angeles area

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of electric propulsion subsystems (thruster assemblies, structural interfaces, feed systems, thermal management hardware)
• Lead architecture and packaging trades for propulsion integration
• Develop and release high-quality CAD models and drawings with full GD&T
• Perform and guide structural and thermal analysis (including high-temperature and vacuum environments)
• Drive integration and testing of propulsion systems, including anomaly resolution and root cause analysis
• Define and execute verification strategies (analysis, inspection, test)
• Lead design reviews (PDR/CDR) and communicate technical decisions clearly
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners for precision and high-performance components
• Mentor junior engineers and elevate team technical capability
• Ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability requirements

Job description

Quantum Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead the design and development of electric propulsion hardware for flight, spanning concept to qualification. You’ll work at the intersection of mechanical design, thermal management, and high-performance hardware, coordinating with propulsion, systems, and test teams.

The role demands 5–10+ years in hardware development for aerospace, strong Creo and GD&T skills, and on-site work in the Los Angeles area.