Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Manufacturing
Quantum Space
| Company | Quantum Space |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Hawthorne |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 1 May 2026 |
| Last verified | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
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.