Mechanical Designer IV

Mechanical Designer IVQuantum 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 ForWe 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 ImpactOwn detailed mechanical CAD for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, secondary structure, brackets, harness routing accommodations, and payload mounting featuresBuild and maintain large top-level Creo assemblies with strong configuration discipline: envelopes, mass properties, interference control, motion/clearance checks, access constraints, and fastener strategyDrive spacecraft packaging execution: volume optimization, keep-outs, service loops, access for torque/inspection, tool clearance, contamination control considerations, and integration sequence-friendly designCreate, 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 interfacesSupport on-site spacecraft integration: fit checks, rework disposition support, redlines-to-release, and fast iteration during build anomaliesProvide design leadership and mentorship: define "good" CAD practices, model tree hygiene, drawing standards, and release readiness checklistsProduce design content for PDR/CDR/production readiness reviews, including configuration views, interface snapshots, tolerance stack summaries, and assembly sequencesWhat It TakesBS 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 environmentsExpert 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 practicesDeep experience applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and translating intent into inspectable drawingsProven 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 testWork location within the Washington DC / Maryland / Virginia (DMV) areaNice-to-Have ExperienceSpacecraft or launch vehicle flight hardware design experienceDirect 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 conventionsExperience with mechanism packaging and clearance validationWhat You'll GetOwnership – Be the design authority driving configuration quality on flight buildsInnovation – Turn complex spacecraft packaging and design challenges into producible, testable flight hardware that pushes the boundaries of spacecraft design and enables faster iteration from concept to orbitImpact – Your CAD decisions will ship to orbitGrowth – Lead design execution standards across spacecraft programsCompensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CABase Salary: $125,000 - $175,000The 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.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.