Quantum Space · 15 hours ago
Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion
Rockville, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
7+ years expQuantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. They are seeking a Principal/Senior Engineer to take technical ownership of propellant tank development while contributing broadly to propulsion system design, integration, and delivery.
Aerospace
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own and execute propulsion hardware development across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, analysis, build, test, and flight support
Lead the design and delivery of space-rated propellant tanks and supporting propulsion components
Serve as a technical contributor and mentor within a cross-disciplinary engineering team
Collaborate closely with systems, structures, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready hardware on aggressive schedules
Apply sound engineering judgment and creativity to solve complex propulsion challenges and meet mission requirements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
7+ years of experience in the design, analysis, build, and test of space-rated metallic pressure vessels and related propulsion hardware
Familiarity with ANSI/AIAA S-080A, launch vehicle interfaces, and range safety requirements
Experience with qualification and acceptance testing of space-rated pressure vessels
Proficiency in tank and pressure vessel analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fracture mechanics, slosh dynamics, and propellant management devices
Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts and small teams
Ownership of cost, schedule, and technical performance for assigned hardware
Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and workflows
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment
Strong commitment to technical rigor, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers
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
Preferred
Experience with in-space propulsion subsystems beyond propellant tanks
Background working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment
Advanced propulsion analysis experience using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CFD, FEA, Surface Evolver, and GFSSP
Experience with CAD tools and configuration-controlled hardware development
Strong background in risk identification and mitigation
Programming experience in Java, Python, Julia, and/or C++
Familiarity with 5S (6S) and Lean Six Sigma principles
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Generous leave
FSA
401(k) matching
Equity participation
Company
Quantum Space
Quantum Space provides data buy services, deploys spacecraft, and performs space logistics for partners.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$16.06MKey Investors
Sporos Capital PartnersMaryland Department of CommercePrime Movers Lab
2025-03-11Private Equity
2025-02-19Grant· $0.06M
2024-06-25Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Benjamin Reed
Co-Founder and CIO
Recent News
2025-08-13
2025-08-06
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