{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c2940e14094d61ee43e1a093","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c2940e14094d61ee43e1a093","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c2940e14094d61ee43e1a093","title":"Test Engineer - Plasma Diagnostics","description":"Who We’re Looking ForQuantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.We are seeking a highly motivated Test Engineer with relevant professional experience or academic training related to plasma sources, devices, and diagnostics. The ideal candidate has a strong background in plasma physics and diagnostic techniques, including instrumentation, hands-on hardware implementation and test execution, and data analysis and interpretation. You will work in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, collaborating across engineering R&D, test, analysis, and hardware manufacturing teams to advance next-generation propulsion products and rapidly deliver flight-ready hardware.This role requires strong proficiency in experimental plasma physics, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment. Previous experience or a strong interest in propulsion systems (electric, fluid, chemical) is a plus.Where You’ll Make an ImpactLead experimental development and characterization of electric propulsion devices, such as Hall Effect Thrusters and RF ThrustersDesign, implement, and operate plasma diagnostic systems including Langmuir probes, emissive probes, retarding potential analyzers, and optical diagnosticsAnalyze and interpret experimental data to support and validate existing analytical and computational modelsDevelop test plans and execute hot-fire test campaigns in vacuum chamber environmentsDocuments test results and contribute to technical reports, proposals, and publicationsSupport thruster and propulsion system design and build iterationsWhat It TakesB.S. in Physics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)3+ years of experience with plasma physics diagnostics (relevant to electric propulsion and/or RF plasmas preferred)Strong proficiency with instrumentation, experimental methods, and data analysisSolid understanding of plasma physics and propulsion systemsProgramming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysisHands-on experience with high-vacuum chamber testingAbility to design and troubleshoot experimental hardwareStrong technical writing and communication skillsProven ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environmentNice-to-Have ExperienceExperience with characterizing RF plasmas sources or electric propulsion (e.g., Hall Effect Thruster) discharge plumesHands-on experience with spacecraft propulsion system design, build, integration, and flight qualificationKnowledge of manufacturing methods (machining, composites, additive manufacturing)Experience working with NASA and/or DoD programsWhat You’ll GetInnovation – The opportunity to develop and test next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems.Impact – See your work directly enable mission success.Growth – Opportunities for technical leadership in a fast-growing space company.Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.Location: Hawthorne, CACompensation: $120,000 to $180,000 Annual Salary Depending on ExperienceAdditional 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 StateApply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.","company":"Quantum Space","rawCompany":"quantum space","city":"Hawthorne","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-05-05T10:36:32.578Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336415","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-propulsion-unit-and-propulsion-unit-parts-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Test Engineer - Plasma Diagnostics","description":"Who We’re Looking ForQuantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.We are seeking a highly motivated Test Engineer with relevant professional experience or academic training related to plasma sources, devices, and diagnostics. The ideal candidate has a strong background in plasma physics and diagnostic techniques, including instrumentation, hands-on hardware implementation and test execution, and data analysis and interpretation. You will work in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, collaborating across engineering R&D, test, analysis, and hardware manufacturing teams to advance next-generation propulsion products and rapidly deliver flight-ready hardware.This role requires strong proficiency in experimental plasma physics, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment. Previous experience or a strong interest in propulsion systems (electric, fluid, chemical) is a plus.Where You’ll Make an ImpactLead experimental development and characterization of electric propulsion devices, such as Hall Effect Thrusters and RF ThrustersDesign, implement, and operate plasma diagnostic systems including Langmuir probes, emissive probes, retarding potential analyzers, and optical diagnosticsAnalyze and interpret experimental data to support and validate existing analytical and computational modelsDevelop test plans and execute hot-fire test campaigns in vacuum chamber environmentsDocuments test results and contribute to technical reports, proposals, and publicationsSupport thruster and propulsion system design and build iterationsWhat It TakesB.S. in Physics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)3+ years of experience with plasma physics diagnostics (relevant to electric propulsion and/or RF plasmas preferred)Strong proficiency with instrumentation, experimental methods, and data analysisSolid understanding of plasma physics and propulsion systemsProgramming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysisHands-on experience with high-vacuum chamber testingAbility to design and troubleshoot experimental hardwareStrong technical writing and communication skillsProven ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environmentNice-to-Have ExperienceExperience with characterizing RF plasmas sources or electric propulsion (e.g., Hall Effect Thruster) discharge plumesHands-on experience with spacecraft propulsion system design, build, integration, and flight qualificationKnowledge of manufacturing methods (machining, composites, additive manufacturing)Experience working with NASA and/or DoD programsWhat You’ll GetInnovation – The opportunity to develop and test next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems.Impact – See your work directly enable mission success.Growth – Opportunities for technical leadership in a fast-growing space company.Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.Location: Hawthorne, CACompensation: $120,000 to $180,000 Annual Salary Depending on ExperienceAdditional 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 StateApply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.","datePosted":"2026-05-05T10:36:32.578Z","dateModified":"2026-05-05T10:36:32.578Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Quantum Space","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Hawthorne","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c2940e14094d61ee43e1a093"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c2940e14094d61ee43e1a093"}}