Quality Engineer II

About the role

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 Quality Engineer II to support hardware build, integration, and test operations across our spacecraft programs. This role is critical to ensuring mission success by driving product quality, process discipline, and continuous improvement throughout Integration & Test (I&T).

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-paced hardware environments and can work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to identify issues, drive root cause, and implement lasting solutions. You will play a key role in maintaining high-reliability standards across all phases of vehicle assembly and verification.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures, including in-process inspection plans to ensure stable and capable I&T processes

Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, BOMs, and work orders to verify product conformity

Lead investigations into quality escapes and nonconformances using structured root cause methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)

Apply industry-standard quality tools and methodologies, including RCCA, SPC, and FMEA

Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence and improve overall product and process quality

Support continuous improvement initiatives through quality tools and error-proofing techniques

Perform, witness, and monitor incoming, in-process, and acceptance inspections and tests across hardware build and pre-launch activities

Verify compliance with procedures governing contamination control, cleanroom operations, lifting and handling, hazardous operations, and ESD control

Ensure all work is executed against the latest approved drawings and procedures

Ensure measurement and test equipment remains within calibration and compliant with program requirements

Support internal and external audits, including customer and agency reviews

What It Takes

3–5 years of directly related quality or engineering experience, preferably in aerospace, spacecraft, or other high-reliability hardware environments

Strong ability to interpret engineering documentation and verify hardware against requirements

Experience leading root cause investigations and driving RCCA/CAPA to closure

Hands-on experience supporting hardware integration and test environments

Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC)

Ability to obtain and maintain NASA and IPC workmanship certifications (J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739 series); current certifications strongly preferred

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in cross-disciplinary teams

High attention to detail with a focus on process discipline and execution

Nice-to-Have Experience

Current NASA or IPC certifications (J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739.4, NASA-STD-8739.1)

Experience in cleanroom environments and contamination-controlled processes

Background supporting spacecraft or flight hardware programs

Familiarity with metrology systems, calibration programs, and inspection tooling

Experience supporting customer or government audits

What You’ll Get

Ownership – Direct impact on spacecraft quality and mission success

Innovation – Develop and implement quality solutions that improve manufacturing processes, strengthen mission assurance, and enable the successful delivery of next-generation spacecraft

Impact – Help ensure every spacecraft meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability before launch

Growth – Opportunity to develop deep expertise in spacecraft integration and high-reliability system

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

Location : Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary : $100,000 to $150,000

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 required authorizations.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.