Principal Mechanical Designer - Spacecraft Programs
Quantum Space, LLC, Rockville, Maryland, us, 20849
Who We’re Looking For
Quantum Space is transforming how humanity operates in space through highly maneuverable, long-duration spacecraft. 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
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.
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. Help build the mechanical foundation of Quantum Space’s next‑generation spacecraft.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
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.
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. Help build the mechanical foundation of Quantum Space’s next‑generation spacecraft.
#J-18808-Ljbffr