Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Programs

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Who We're Looking For</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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<strong>.</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Where You'll Make an Impact</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Design and develop GSE and test infrastructure for electric propulsion systems, including thrusters, feed systems, and support equipment</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Set up, configure, and operate vacuum chamber test environments for EP testing</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Write and own test procedures, safety documentation, and operational workflows</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Execute EP test campaigns end-to-end: integration, operation, data collection, and troubleshooting</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Operate and maintain vacuum systems including turbo, cryo, and roughing pumps, valves, and gauges</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Troubleshoot vacuum performance issues including leaks, contamination, and system instability</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Support instrumentation and data acquisition system implementation</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Contribute to test system requirements covering vacuum performance, thermal constraints, and instrumentation</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Work cross-functionally with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and AI&amp;T teams to support test readiness</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What It Takes</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">3-7 years of hands-on integration and test experience, including environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, or similar)</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience writing and executing test procedures for complex hardware</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Familiarity with vacuum systems or thermal vacuum chamber operations</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Ability to interface across engineering disciplines — mechanical, electrical, thermal — in a test environment</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Comfortable working hands-on with flight-grade or high-precision hardware</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong attention to process, documentation, and operational safety</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Located in or willing to relocate to the LA area</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Nice-to-Have Experience</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Any exposure to electric propulsion systems or concepts</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience with GSE design or fabrication</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Familiarity with LabVIEW, PLCs, or data acquisition systems</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Exposure to gas delivery or high-voltage systems</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Contamination control and cleanroom experience</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>What You'll Get</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Hands-On Ownership</strong> – Real responsibility on live test hardware from day one</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Impact</strong> – Direct contribution to core spacecraft propulsion technology</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Growth</strong> – Expand from instrument I&amp;T into propulsion systems and space vehicle test infrastructure</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Compensation</strong> – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits</li> </ul> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Hawthorne, CA</p> <p><strong>Base Salary</strong>: $100,000 to $150,000 depending on experience</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Additional Requirements</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>