Position
: Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer – Dynamics & Controls – Quantum SpaceLocation: Rockville, MDCommitment: Full-time, all-inWho We’re Looking ForQuantum Space is advancing spacecraft maneuverability and longevity through cutting-edge propulsion technology. We are seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer – Dynamics & Controls to develop dynamic models, analyze transient fluid interactions, and support control architecture development for our integrated propulsion systems.This role requires a blend of fluid systems insight, controls understanding, and dynamic modeling experience to help us design robust propulsion architectures for demanding in-space operations.
You will analyze how fluid system elements – tanks, pumps, valves, and engines – interact in steady-state and dynamic conditions, supporting development of algorithms and control strategies that govern system performance.Where You’ll Make an Impact
- Build system-level and component-level dynamic models for pressurized, pump-fed, and bipropellant propulsion architectures.
- Develop simulation tools and frameworks to model time-domain fluid behavior, pressure spikes, startup and shutdown transients, and stability effects.
- Analyze dynamic interactions between key propulsion components: tanks and valves, pumps and engines, and manifolds.
- Support the development of control schemes and tuning strategies for propulsion operation and fault recovery.
- Collaborate with mechanical, fluid, thermal, and software teams to support hardware design and integrated test operations.
- Document modeling assumptions, verification steps, and validation plans using test data.
- Present analysis results and control concepts during design reviews and architecture trades.
What It Takes
- BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience developing fluid system models and controls for propulsion, aerospace, or industrial applications.
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, compressibility, valve and pump behavior, and transient analysis.
- Experience with dynamic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent).
- Familiarity with propulsion system components, such as tanks, lines, thrusters, and regulators.
- Proficiency in developing models from first principles and tuning based on empirical test data.
- Excellent communication and system integration skills.
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Experience modeling storable bipropellant propulsion systems.
- Exposure to flight control or GNC algorithm development and validation.
- Familiarity with test data reduction and correlation methods.
- Prior work with system-level fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies.
- Background in in-space propulsion operations, including startup and maneuver sequences.
What You’ll Get
- Ownership – Develop critical analytical tools and controls logic that shape spacecraft capabilities.
- Innovation – Tackle hard dynamic problems at the frontier of in-space propulsion.
- Impact – Help deliver reliable, long-duration maneuvering for future missions.
- Growth – Join a rapidly growing team of propulsion experts and system architects.
- Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.
Additional RequirementsTo 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 shaping the dynamic future of spacecraft propulsion.
