Senior Engineer – Multimode Propulsion

Quantum Space • Hawthorne, CA

18h

About The Position

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 a Senior Engineer to take technical ownership of propellant decomposition concepts, architectures, and flight hardware designs to enable Multimode In-Space propulsion, for ultimate flexibility across Chemical and Electric Propulsion operations. Our game-changing Multimode architecture starts with a single propellant, to provide flexible on-demand, on-orbit chemical and electric maneuverability. In this role, you will lead and drive the technical evaluation and development, from concept through flight hardware, for the enabling propellant decomposition technology and designs. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands-on environment and is ready to lead technical execution from concept through flight qualification and subsequent mission operation.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related science or engineering field
• 7+ years R&D engineering experience, with sustained ownership of complex hardware development
• Experience in design of fluidic systems and components, including liquid and gas phase
• Working knowledge of heat transfer and design practices for active heating design, thermal management, and fluidics management
• Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn about chemical decomposition reactions (e.g. thermal, catalytic)
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving R&D environment
• Work location within the LA area
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with chemical propulsion (CP) and electric propulsion (EP), including relevant propellants
• Experience with material compatibility assessment, including fluid-surface material interactions, to guide materials selection and technical risk reduction
• Experience with CAD tools and configuration-controlled hardware development
• Fielded space hardware (design principles, relevant standards, flight qualification, full product lifecycle)

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies and technical evaluation to drive spacecraft and propulsion system architecture decisions
• Identify and implement relevant chemical reactions and decomposition processes
• Design, build, and test propellant conversion and associated fluid delivery systems, with required thermal considerations and management
• Own and execute hardware development across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, component and material selection, analysis, build, test, and flight support
• Serve as a technical contributor and mentor within a cross-disciplinary engineering team
• Collaborate closely with systems, design engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready hardware on an aggressive schedule

Benefits

• Leadership – Technical leadership and ownership for critical enabling technology
• Innovation – Develop, build, and test next generation spacecraft propulsion systems
• Impact – See your work fly on unique, high-profile missions.
• Growth – Opportunities to lead, mentor, and grow technical depth and breadth
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior