Mechanical Designer IV

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 build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Designer to own the detailed CAD design execution and configuration quality of flight hardware across our Spacecraft Programs. This is a high-impact, hands-on design leadership role for someone who can take ambiguous spacecraft packaging constraints and translate them into clean, producible, testable hardware—then shepherd that design through release, build, integration, and test. You will partner daily with mechanical/structures/thermal engineers, AIT, manufacturing, supply chain, and systems to deliver flight-ready mechanical assemblies for Ranger spacecraft.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Own detailed mechanical CAD for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, secondary structure, brackets, harness routing accommodations, and payload mounting features

Build and maintain large top-level Creo assemblies with strong configuration discipline: envelopes, mass properties, interference control, motion/clearance checks, access constraints, and fastener strategy

Drive spacecraft packaging execution: volume optimization, keep-outs, service loops, access for torque/inspection, tool clearance, contamination control considerations, and integration sequence-friendly design

Create, check, and release flight drawings (and drawing packages) with correct GD&T, material callouts, finishes, treatments, and inspection requirements (ASME Y14.5 mindset)

Own BOM accuracy and part metadata integrity in Windchill (part lifecycle, revisioning, effectivity, serialization strategy where applicable)

Partner with AIT to ensure designs are buildable and testable: torque access, alignment features, witness marks, datum strategy, handling points, lifting features, GSE interfaces

Support on-site spacecraft integration: fit checks, rework disposition support, redlines-to-release, and fast iteration during build anomalies

Provide design leadership and mentorship: define “good” CAD practices, model tree hygiene, drawing standards, and release readiness checklists

Produce design content for PDR/CDR/production readiness reviews, including configuration views, interface snapshots, tolerance stack summaries, and assembly sequences

What It Takes

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent demonstrable work products in spacecraft/aerospace design)

10+ years of professional mechanical design experience in aerospace/spacecraft or similarly high-rigor hardware environments

Expert proficiency in PTC Creo (top-down design, skeletons, family tables, interface control via publish geometry, large-assembly performance discipline)

Strong working knowledge of Windchill release workflows and configuration control best practices

Deep experience applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and translating intent into inspectable drawings

Proven ability to design for manufacturability across common aerospace processes (machining, sheet metal, additive where appropriate, bonding, inserts/Heli-Coils, surface finishes)

High ownership: you don’t just “model parts”—you drive closure through release, build, and test

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

Nice-to-Have Experience

Spacecraft or launch vehicle flight hardware design experience

Direct experience supporting AIT on the floor (MRB disposition support, as-built capture, redline control)

Familiarity with contamination control, torque practices, workmanship standards, and aerospace fastener conventions

Experience with mechanism packaging and clearance validation

What You’ll Get

Ownership – Be the design authority driving configuration quality on flight builds

Innovation – Turn complex spacecraft packaging and design challenges into producible, testable flight hardware that pushes the boundaries of spacecraft design and enables faster iteration from concept to orbit

Impact – Your CAD decisions will ship to orbit

Growth – Lead design execution standards across spacecraft programs

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

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $125,000 - $175,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

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 next generation of spacecraft.