Director of Mechanical Engineering

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 an Director of 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

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Minimum of 12+ years of relevant spacecraft mechanical design and analysis experience
• Minimum of 7+ 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, HSA, 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 next generation of spacecraft.