Senior Engineer; Engineer III​/Principal Engineer; Engineer IV Propulsion

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

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.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer III / Principal Engineer IV – Propulsion Systems to lead the development of advanced flight-qualified 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 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.

Lead the 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Base Salary: $160,000–$230,000