Propulsion Engineer II Verified today

About This 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 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'll 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 and to technical specifications
• Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and mission readiness activities
• Investigate propulsion hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Contribute to propulsion engineering standards, best practices, and process improvements
• Support technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
• Operate in a fast-paced development environment focused on rapid execution and mission success

Required Qualifications

• 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 effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Leading significant engineering tasks for propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
• Designing, analyzing, or testing propellant management devices (PMDs)
• Laser welding, friction stir welding, or advanced aerospace manufacturing processes
• CNC machining of aerospace-grade components
• Testing propulsion systems with hydrazine and MON-3 propellants
• Designing gear pumps, pump motors, or spacecraft fluid system components
• Supporting 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

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of total compensation. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.