Quality Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth-Moon system.

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.

This is an on-site position in our Rockville, MD office. 

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
• Exposure - Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams across the full vehicle lifecycle
• Growth - Opportunity to develop deep expertise in spacecraft integration and high-reliability systems
• Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits

Location: Rockville, MD

Compensation: $100,000 to $150,000 Annual Salary Depending on Experience

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.