Senior Aerospace Engineer

About Quartus

Quartus Engineering Incorporated ( is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

About Aerospace Sector

Quartus is a key contributor to aerospace advancements, specializing in engineering simulation and custom hardware. We’ve played a vital role in a diverse range of free space, launch and spacecraft projects including the NASA James Webb Space Telescope project for 17 years, covering design, analysis, and testing. Quartus is involved in leading in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) systems. Our expertise spans aircraft structural design, analysis, and testing, including support for FAA certifications. Quartus excels in commercial and defense aircraft applications, as well as custom optical systems like laser communications terminals and lidar payloads with both aerial and space applications.

What will you do?

As a Senior Engineer in our Aerospace sector you will design and develop structures and mechanisms for spacecraft, aircraft, or other complex high-value systems. You will gain exposure to a wide variety of customers from startups, established aerospace primes, to non-aerospace customers. You will be involved in the entire project lifecycle: concept design, maturation, prototype, testing…on some projects it will be one or two phases; on others the full cycle. If the project includes a build phase you will be on the floor tightening bolts. As a Senior Engineer you will frequently be expected to work on things outside of our area of expertise and will need to learn and “figure it out” as you go. You will also be expected to work with more junior engineers; delegating work, reviewing work, and mentoring.

Essential Job Functions

• Design and develop structures, secondary structures, mechanisms, ground support equipment, and other devices for spacecraft and other high engineering value systems
• Perform concept level analysis on new designs
• Own challenging technical problems at various stages of development (concept design, maturation, prototyping)
• Lead technical execution on projects including task delegation, technical oversight, design reviews, and customer communication
• Work with diverse customer set with varying standards, expectations, and capability
• Serve as technical lead and primary technical point of contact on projects
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to improving engineering standards and best practices
• Support proposals, technical presentations, and customer design reviews
  

Location

Position is based in Herndon, VA with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What are we looking for?

• BS and/or MS in Mechanical or similar Engineering field and/or equivalent experience
• 6-10 years experience total
• At least 5 years experience with design for spacecraft
• Experience with electro mechanical systems or high precision mechanisms
• Experience with various manufacturing methods including machining, welding, and composites
• Experience with costing and estimation of engineering design and manufacturing
• CAD software experience
• GD&T application per ASME Y14.5
• Some experience with Finite Element Analysis (e.g. Nastran, ANSYS, ABAQUS)
• Experience working hands-on with hardware in a prototype, testing, or production environment a plus.
• Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)
  

Compensation and Benefits

Senior Engineer pay range: $116,732 – 194,553*

*This pay range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 2

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.

What are we looking for?

• BS and/or MS in Mechanical or similar Engineering field and/or equivalent experience
• 6-10 years experience total
• At least 5 years experience with design for spacecraft
• Experience with electro mechanical systems or high precision mechanisms
• Experience with various manufacturing methods including machining, welding, and composites
• Experience with costing and estimation of engineering design and manufacturing
• CAD software experience
• GD&T application per ASME Y14.5
• Some experience with Finite Element Analysis (e.g. Nastran, ANSYS, ABAQUS)
• Experience working hands-on with hardware in a prototype, testing, or production environment a plus.
• Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)