Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Position: Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
Location: Rockville, MD 
Commitment: Full-time, all-in 

Who We’re Looking For 

Quantum Space is transforming how humanity operates in space through highly maneuverable, long-duration spacecraft. We are seeking a Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering to own the design, integration, and verification of all mechanical systems on our spacecraft platforms. 

You will lead a team of engineers and developers building systems that survive launch, operate reliably in space, and enable mission-critical functions including payload support, structural integrity, mechanisms, and thermal control. You’ll
be responsible for both technical execution and team leadership as you guide the mechanical and propulsion build effort for our Ranger spacecraft programs. 

Where You’ll Make an Impact 

Lead mechanical design and analysis activities for flight hardware and ground support equipment. 

Own spacecraft mechanical configurations, including structural layout, payload integration, inertia balancing, and volume optimization. 

Hire, train, and develop mechanical engineering staff across multiple programs. 

Generate, review, approve, and oversee mechanical and structural design artifacts, engineering drawings, and analysis reports. 

Work cradle-to-grave on new spacecraft designs, from initial development through on-site spacecraft build, test, and flight operations. 

Prepare, review, and manage subsystem and interface control documents. 

Evaluate technical risks, identify cross-functional dependencies, and drive mitigation actions. 

Own the development of mechanical hardware and test plans in support of long-term engineering schedules and mission milestones. 

Support subcontract procurements through technical evaluation and vendor coordination. 

Create and deliver content for design reviews, verification matrices, and environmental test campaigns. 

What It Takes 

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. 

Minimum of 7 years of relevant spacecraft mechanical design and analysis experience. 

Minimum of 3 years of technical team management experience. 

Experience with conceptual, detailed design, and integration phases of spacecraft programs. 

Strong knowledge of structural design, including high-stiffness, lightweight space structures and pressurized system design principles. 

Familiarity with commercial, industry, and other mechanical specifications and standards. 

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively across disciplines. 

Work location within the Washington DC / Maryland / Virginia (DMV) area. 

Proficiency developing large mechanical assemblies in PTC Creo and Windchill. 

Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5. 

Exposure to spacecraft integration, mission readiness reviews, and operations. 

Nice-to-Have Experience 

Experience with spacecraft systems for GEO, cislunar,
and/or deep space missions. 

Experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent tools for schedule development and tracking. 

What You’ll Get 

Ownership – Lead the execution and design of core mechanical systems for in-space platforms. 

Innovation – Shape mechanical architectures that support agile, long-life spacecraft missions. 

Impact – Build systems that directly enable critical scientific, defense, and commercial operations. 

Growth – Be a technical and organizational leader on a high-performance engineering team. 

Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing. 

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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Apply now. Join us in building the mechanical systems that power the future of space exploration.