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

About the Role

Quantum Space is seeking a Senior Engineer III or Principal Engineer IV in Propulsion Systems to lead development of advanced flight-qualified spacecraft propulsion systems for next-generation Ranger missions. You will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle: architecture, concept development, design, manufacturing, qualification, integration, and flight operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems from concept through flight qualification and mission operations
• Provide technical leadership across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, integration, qualification, and flight support
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission-critical hardware on schedule and within program objectives
• Serve as 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 and organizational capabilities

Senior Engineer III Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 7 or more years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams through major project milestones
• Experience leading low- to medium-complexity propulsion or spacecraft development efforts
• Recognized technical contributor with strong engineering judgment and decision-making skills
• Experience managing technical schedules, program execution, and engineering priorities

Principal Engineer IV Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10 or more years of relevant aerospace or propulsion engineering experience
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex spacecraft development programs
• Established technical leadership across medium- to high-complexity engineering efforts
• Recognized subject matter expert with experience influencing technical direction across programs or organizations
• Experience managing technical schedules, budgets, and program execution

Technical Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• 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
• 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 or more years leading engineering teams developing spacecraft propulsion systems
• 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

What You'll Get

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

Compensation and Location

Base Salary: $160,000-$230,000

Salary is based on work experience, education, technical expertise, leadership experience, critical skills, and business considerations. Position level (Senior Engineer III or Principal Engineer IV) will be determined based on selected candidate's qualifications. Highly competitive equity grants and sign-on opportunities may be available.

Locations: Rockville, MD; Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO

U.S. Person Requirement

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.