Senior Engineer (Engineer III) / Principal Engineer (Engineer IV) – Propulsion

Senior Engineer (Engineer III)/Principal Engineer (Engineer IV) – PropulsionPosition OverviewQuantum Space, located in Rockville, Maryland, is seeking Senior Engineers (Engineer III)/Principal Engineers (Engineer IV) in Propulsion to lead the development of advanced flight-qualified propellant tanks and chemical/electric spacecraft propulsion systems. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer capable of leading technical teams, owning component/system development efforts, and delivering hardware through rapid development cycles. Position level and salary will be evaluated based on years of experience, relevant skillsets, proven leadership, and depth of subject matter expertise.The successful candidate will serve as a lead for propellant tank development or spacecraft propulsion systems.Scope of responsibility and technical leadership will scale based on experience, demonstrated expertise, and position level.ResponsibilitiesLead development of propellant tanks or complex spacecraft propulsion systemsProvide technical direction across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, integration, and flight operationsLead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver products on schedule and within budgetServe as a propulsion subject matter expertDrive architecture decisions and propulsion trade studiesManage technical program execution, risk reduction, and long-range planningSupport customer interactions, technical reviews, and executive-level program updatesMentor/coach engineers across multiple experience levels and disciplinesSupport organizational development of propulsion engineering standards and best practicesLead resolution of critical technical and programmatic issuesRequired Qualifications for Senior EngineerBachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Phd in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline7+ years of relevant engineering experienceDemonstrated ability to lead teams of 3+ engineers to major project milestonesDemonstrated leadership capability for low-to-medium complexity projectRecognized as a trusted technical expert within a project team or engineering groupExperience managing technical schedules and budgetsRequired Qualifications for Principal EngineerBachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline10+ years of relevant engineering experienceDemonstrated ability to lead teams of 6+ engineers to major project milestonesEstablished technical leadership of medium-to-high complexity projectsRecognized technical authority across programs or organizationsExperience managing technical schedules and budgetsRequired Qualifications for Tank Development LeadExperience with design, analysis, fabrication, testing, and integration of propellant tanksExperience meeting tank design standards and meeting range safety requirementsUnderstanding different propellant management approaches in a low-gravity environment and propellant sloshUnderstanding propellant tank welding – especially of how to evaluate quality of weldsRequired Qualifications for Propulsion Subsystem LeadExperience with design, analysis, fabrication, testing, integration and operations of spacecraft propulsion systemsExperience meeting pressure vessel and systems design standards and range safety requirementsExperience interfacing with other spacecraft systemsUnderstanding typical technologies and propellants used for spacecraft propulsion systemsUnderstanding how to architect a spacecraft propulsion systemUnderstanding challenges and solutions in the assembly and testing of propulsion systems as part of a spacecraft AI&T campaignPreferred Qualifications3+ years leading engineering project teams to deliver propellant tanks or spacecraft propulsion systemsExperience in fast-paced aerospace or startup environmentsSystems engineering experience, including requirements and verification planningLean Six Sigma or project management training/certificationsExperience applying AI-enabled engineering toolsExperience leading teams through rapid hardware development cyclesSpacecraft systems expertise outside propulsionSubject matter expertise for typical propulsion componentsCompensationSenior Engineer Maryland salary range: $160,000 – $200,000Principal Engineer Maryland salary range: $180,000 - $230,000Equity participation and sign-on bonus opportunities may be available based on experience and qualificationsCompetitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.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