Position:
Spacecraft Propulsion Design Engineer – Valves – Quantum SpaceLocation: Rockville, MDCommitment: Full-time, all-inWho We’re Looking ForQuantum Space is developing high-performance, long-duration spacecraft to serve missions throughout LEO, GEO, and Cislunar space. We are seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Design Engineer – Valves to design, develop, and qualify flight fluid components for our in-space propulsion systems.You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of propulsion valves used in pressurized and bipropellant fluid systems, from concept through test and integration.
This role is highly collaborative and hands-on, supporting critical path hardware for Quantum’s next-generation spacecraft platforms.Where You’ll Make an Impact
- Design, analyze, and build optimized propulsion valves for storable bipropellant systems.
- Develop design requirements, material selections, and interface control documentation for propulsion fluid components.
- Build and validate CAD models and drawings using Creo Parametric.
- Conduct tolerance analysis and support structural, thermal, and fluid simulations.
- Lead supplier interactions for valve development, qualification, and procurement.
- Support test planning and execution for component and integrated propulsion systems.
- Analyze test data and iterate on designs to improve performance and manufacturability.
- Contribute to system-level reviews and propulsion team design trades.
- Interface with mechanical, thermal, integration, and systems teams for clean integration of hardware.
What It Takes
- BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of propulsion component design and development experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing and qualifying aerospace valves.
- Familiarity with valve leakage testing, flow characterization, and cleaning standards.
- Proficiency in Creo for component modeling and large assembly handling.
- Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
- Strong grasp of fluid mechanics, thermal effects, materials, and manufacturing methods.
- Experience working with suppliers and leading component qualification efforts.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Exposure to model-based systems engineering environments.
- Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid hardware iteration.
- Exposure to cislunar, GEO, or long-duration spacecraft programs.
What You’ll Get
- Ownership – Drive the design of critical propulsion components for in-space mobility.
- Innovation – Build hardware that pushes the limits of mission longevity and flexibility.
- Impact – Your work will directly enable propulsion capabilities for future spacecraft.
- Growth – Join a high-performing team with opportunities to lead and grow.
- 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 designing the propulsion components that power the future of space exploration.
