Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Manufacturing
Quantum SpaceHawthorne, California, United States · Posted 3 months agoDescription
Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system.
Quantum Space is seeking a GSE Test Engineer II to support the development and validation of electric propulsion (EP) technologies. This role is a strong fit for an engineer coming from a flight hardware integration and test background — someone who has written procedures, run environmental test campaigns, and worked hands-on with complex systems in controlled environments. You'll bring that discipline and rigor to building and operating our in-house EP test capability.
Where You'll Make an Impact
- Design and develop GSE and test infrastructure for electric propulsion systems, including thrusters, feed systems, and support equipment
- Set up, configure, and operate vacuum chamber test environments for EP testing
- Write and own test procedures, safety documentation, and operational workflows
- Execute EP test campaigns end-to-end: integration, operation, data collection, and troubleshooting
- Operate and maintain vacuum systems including turbo, cryo, and roughing pumps, valves, and gauges
- Troubleshoot vacuum performance issues including leaks, contamination, and system instability
- Support instrumentation and data acquisition system implementation
- Contribute to test system requirements covering vacuum performance, thermal constraints, and instrumentation
- Work cross-functionally with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and AI&T teams to support test readiness
What It Takes
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
- 3-7 years of hands-on integration and test experience, including environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, or similar)
- Experience writing and executing test procedures for complex hardware
- Familiarity with vacuum systems or thermal vacuum chamber operations
- Ability to interface across engineering disciplines — mechanical, electrical, thermal — in a test environment
- Comfortable working hands-on with flight-grade or high-precision hardware
- Strong attention to process, documentation, and operational safety
- Located in or willing to relocate to the LA area
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Any exposure to electric propulsion systems or concepts
- Experience with GSE design or fabrication
- Familiarity with LabVIEW, PLCs, or data acquisition systems
- Exposure to gas delivery or high-voltage systems
- Contamination control and cleanroom experience
What You'll Get
- Hands-On Ownership – Real responsibility on live test hardware from day one
- Impact – Direct contribution to core spacecraft propulsion technology
- Growth – Expand from instrument I&T into propulsion systems and space vehicle test infrastructure
- Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Base Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 depending on experience
Additional Requirements
To 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 required authorizations.
Similar jobs
Est. 140,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 140,000 USD
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were…
Est. 90,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 135,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 195,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 135,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 96,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 125,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 165,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 200,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 150,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 112,500 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 200,000 USD
Who We're Looking For Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and pro…
Est. 115,000 USD
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autono…
Est. 62,500 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 128,750 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 170,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 170,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 202,500 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 180,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 170,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 102,500 USD
Job Description Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary…
Est. 115,000 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 125,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 172,500 USD
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autono…
Est. 150,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 115,000 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 110,000 USD
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autono…
Est. 150,000 USD
Quantum 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…
Est. 112,500 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…