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

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. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer III / Principal Engineer IV – Propulsion Systems to lead the development of advanced flight-qualified propellant tanks and spacecraft propulsion systems supporting next-generation Ranger missions. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle—from architecture and concept development through design, manufacturing, qualification, integration, and flight operations.

Depending on your experience and technical expertise, you will serve as the technical lead for either propellant tank development or spacecraft propulsion subsystem development, driving innovation across chemical and electric propulsion technologies. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about delivering flight-ready hardware for demanding national security, civil, and commercial space missions.

You'll Make an Impact

  • 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

What It Takes

Senior Engineer III

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline

  • 7+ 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

  • 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

  • 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

Candidates should possess demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Propellant Tank Development

  • 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

Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

  • 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+ 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

What You'll Get

  • 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

Base Salary: $160,000–$230,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, technical expertise, leadership experience, critical skills, and business considerations. Position level (Senior Engineer III or Principal Engineer IV) will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Highly competitive equity grants and sign-on opportunities may be available and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

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.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

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