Friction Stir Weld Technician III

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 Technician III – Friction Stir Welding to fabricate novel spacecraft propellant tanks. This role is ideal for a technician with several years of experience in friction stir welding or a CNC operator that has experience with welding.

You will work closely with propulsion, manufacturing, mechanical, and test engineering teams to develop and refine friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks. This is a hands-on role focused on execution, troubleshooting, hardware fabrication, and flight-critical manufacturing operations.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Work with engineers to develop friction stir welding processes for novel spacecraft propellant tanks
• Provide manufacturing feedback to engineers to improve weld quality, repeatability, and production efficiency
• Support engineers in the development and refinement of friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks
• Perform and own friction stir welding operations on development and flight spacecraft propellant tanks
• Assist in pressure and leak testing of spacecraft propellant tanks
• Assist in the integration of spacecraft propellant tanks into spacecraft propulsion systems

What It Takes

• High school diploma or GED
• 7+ years of relevant experience with friction stir welding, or CNC operation and welding experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams of technicians to accomplish tasks
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes
• Demonstrated ability to write standard operating procedures or similar documentation
• Demonstrated ability to own completion of tasks with minimal oversight
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot
• Demonstrated ability to understand drawings and CAD models

Nice-to-Have Experience

• 1+ years performing friction stir welding on spacecraft propulsion tanks or other pressure vessels
• Friction stir weld certification and/or other weld certifications
• Demonstrated experience with pressure testing and leak testing
• Demonstrated experience in machining aerospace grade parts with CNC equipment
• Demonstrated experience with the assembly, integration, and test of propulsion systems and components
• Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting CAD models and engineering drawings
• Experience with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods and weld inspection

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Contribute directly to the fabrication of mission-critical spacecraft hardware
• Innovation – Support advanced manufacturing technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility
• Impact – Help deliver reliable spacecraft systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial missions
• Growth – Join a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing team operating at the center of spacecraft development, integration, and mission execution
• 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

Hourly range: $24 - 48/hr

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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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