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Propulsion Engineer II Verified today

Quantum Space · Rockville, MD · Hawthorne, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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Role

Quantum Space is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II to contribute to the development of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions. You will help design, develop, qualify, integrate, and support flight propulsion hardware that enables high-mobility spacecraft for national security, civil, and commercial space applications.

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams, you will support propulsion hardware throughout the full product lifecycle from concept development through flight operations.

What You Will Do

  • Design, develop, and qualify propellant tanks, pumps, and advanced spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, integration, and flight support
  • Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions
  • Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation for propulsion hardware
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver propulsion hardware on schedule meeting technical and program objectives
  • Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
  • Investigate propulsion hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
  • Contribute to propulsion engineering standards, 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)

Requirements

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of experience developing propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace hardware
  • Experience designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and integrating propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Preferred Experience

  • Experience leading significant engineering tasks in propellant tank, pump, or spacecraft propulsion system development
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Design, analysis, or testing of propellant management devices (PMDs)
  • Laser welding, friction stir welding, or other advanced aerospace manufacturing processes
  • CNC machining of aerospace-grade components
  • Testing propulsion systems with hydrazine and MON-3
  • Gear pump or spacecraft fluid system component design
  • Fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs
  • AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools

Compensation and Location

Base salary: $110,000-$160,000. Competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Employment 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.