Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Programs

Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system.

Quantum Space is seeking a GSE Test Engineer II to support the development and validation of electric propulsion (EP) technologies. This role is a strong fit for an engineer coming from a flight hardware integration and test background — someone who has written procedures, run environmental test campaigns, and worked hands‑on with complex systems in controlled environments. You'll bring that discipline and rigor to building and operating our in‑house EP test capability.

• Design and develop GSE and test infrastructure for electric propulsion systems, including thrusters, feed systems, and support equipment
• Set up, configure, and operate vacuum chamber test environments for EP testing
• Write and own test procedures, safety documentation, and operational workflows
• Execute EP test campaigns end‑to‑end: integration, operation, data collection, and troubleshooting
• Operate and maintain vacuum systems including turbo, cryo, and roughing pumps, valves, and gauges
• Troubleshoot vacuum performance issues including leaks, contamination, and system instability
• Support instrumentation and data acquisition system implementation
• Contribute to test system requirements covering vacuum performance, thermal constraints, and instrumentation
• Work cross‑functionally with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and AI&T teams to support test readiness

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3-7 years of hands‑on integration and test experience, including environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, or similar)
• Experience writing and executing test procedures for complex hardware
• Familiarity with vacuum systems or thermal vacuum chamber operations
• Ability to interface across engineering disciplines — mechanical, electrical, thermal — in a test environment
• Comfortable working hands‑on with flight‑grade or high‑precision hardware
• Strong attention to process, documentation, and operational safety
• Located in or willing to relocate to the LA area

• Any exposure to electric propulsion systems or concepts
• Experience with GSE design or fabrication
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, PLCs, or data acquisition systems
• Exposure to gas delivery or high‑voltage systems
• Contamination control and cleanroom experience

• Hands‑On Ownership – Real responsibility on live test hardware from day one
• Impact – Direct contribution to core spacecraft propulsion technology
• Growth – Expand from instrument I&T into propulsion systems and space vehicle test infrastructure
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits

Location:

Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 depending on experience

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 required authorizations.

As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.