Position: Spacecraft Propulsion Lead – Quantum Space
Location: Rockville, MDCommitment: Full-time, all-inWho We’re Looking ForQuantum Space is redefining how spacecraft move and operate across LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments. We are seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Lead to oversee the architecture, development, and qualification of propulsion systems for our flight programs.This role will own cradle-to-grave delivery of propulsion systems—from early design and trades, through integration and test, to launch and mission operations. You will manage propulsion development cycles, lead and grow the propulsion team, and be accountable for end-to-end system performance across Quantum's novel pump-fed architecture.Where You’ll Make an Impact
- Lead propulsion system development from concept through mission operations for multiple spacecraft.
- Define and own the propulsion system development plan, including requirements, architecture, budget, and schedule.
- Manage the Ranger spacecraft propulsion team, including hiring, mentoring, performance feedback, and technical direction.
- Work collaboratively with the manufacturing organization to deliver propulsion components, part, and subsystems, per program schedules.
- Oversee system- and component-level design efforts for valves, tanks, PMDs, thrusters, manifolds, and thermal interfaces.
- Oversee slosh and propellant management device (PMD) designs and analyses.
- Guide cradle-to-grave propulsion verification planning including analysis, qualification testing, and launch readiness.
- Drive technical reviews, trade studies, risk assessments, and system integration activities.
- Serve as propulsion technical interface to program management, integration, and customer stakeholders.
- Lead root cause investigations and resolution efforts in the event of anomalies or test failures.
- Support propulsion operations planning for launch and in-space maneuvering.
What It Takes
- BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
- 8+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion system design, analysis, integration, and test.
- Proven experience with storable bipropellant systems.
- Familiarity with slosh dynamics and PMD development.
- Experience managing technical/engineering teams and propulsion development schedules.
- Strong background in propulsion subsystems including valves, tanks, sensors, and thrusters.
- Ability to lead design reviews, generate and approve technical documentation, and manage verification plans.
- Hands-on experience with propulsion system operations or test.
- Excellent communication and team-building skills.
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Experience working across pump-fed and pressure-fed architectures.
- Exposure to dynamic modeling and fluid-thermal interaction simulations.
- Familiarity with launch vehicle interfaces and integrated test campaigns.
- Experience working in startup or high-growth aerospace environments.
What You’ll Get
- Ownership – Lead the propulsion roadmap for Quantum's mission-critical flight systems.
- Innovation – Help define maneuvering and endurance capabilities that reshape space mobility.
- Impact – Your team’s work will directly enable sustained space operations and infrastructure.
- Growth – Join a high-trust engineering team with long-term leadership opportunities.
- 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 leading the propulsion systems that power the future of space exploration.
