Mechanical Test Engineer III - Advanced Programs

Quantum Space

$100K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • 3-7 years of integration and testing experience with complex hardware
  • Hands-on experience with environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, etc.)
  • Proficient in writing and executing test procedures
  • Familiarity with vacuum systems and thermal vacuum chamber operations
  • Ability to interface with multiple engineering disciplines
  • Strong focus on process, documentation, and safety

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop ground support equipment and test infrastructure for electric propulsion
  • Set up and operate vacuum chamber test environments
  • Write and own test procedures and safety documentation
  • Execute electric propulsion test campaigns from integration to troubleshooting
  • Maintain and troubleshoot vacuum systems and their performance
  • Support with instrumentation and data acquisition system implementation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams for test readiness

Benefits

  • Hands-on ownership of live test hardware from day one
  • Impactful contributions to spacecraft propulsion technology
  • Opportunities for growth into broader propulsion systems and test infrastructure
Full Job Description
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

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