Your space-enabled career begins here

Position: Propulsion Engineering Intern – Quantum Space (Spring 2025 Internship Cycle)

Location: Rockville, MD

Commitment: Full-time, on site

Who We’re Looking For:

Quantum Space is revolutionizing space exploration with cutting-edge propulsion technology. We are seeking a highly motivated Propulsion Engineering Intern to join our team for the Spring 2025 Internship Cycle. In this hands-on role, you will be integral in designing, testing, and validating spacecraft propulsion systems. This internship provides the opportunity to work on real-world projects that will contribute to the success of upcoming space missions.

As an intern, you will collaborate with a fast-paced, tight-knit team of engineers and scientists, gaining invaluable experience in the design, testing, and integration of propulsion systems for next-generation spacecraft.

Where You’ll Make an Impact:

• Propulsion Systems Design:

• Assist in designing spacecraft propulsion hardware, including fluid systems, valves, secondary structure, propellant tanks, and propulsion demonstrator assemblies.

• Collaborate with engineers to evaluate prototypes and refine design concepts

• Support the creation and review of detailed drawings and CAD models for propulsion components and assemblies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:

• Work alongside electrical, fluid systems, guidance and navigation control (GNC), thermal and vehicle structures engineers to ensure that propulsion components meet mission and spacecraft requirements.

• Test and Verification:

• Build and operate fluid component test stands, helping to validate propulsion hardware and support test operations.

• Assist in generating test plans and documentation to verify propulsion component
  performance.

• Analyze data and report findings to ensure design goals are met.

• Manufacturing & Integration Support:

• Provide hands-on support during manufacturing, integration, and testing (I&T) of development and flight hardware.

• Help prepare propulsion systems for integration into spacecraft, ensuring all components meet quality standards and design specifications.

What It Takes:

• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related field, with a strong interest in spacecraft propulsion systems and hands-on engineering.

• You have practical experience with:

• Building personal projects or participating in student clubs like Formula SAE, rocket teams, or robotics teams.

• Hands-on work in construction, automotive repair, or similar activities where problem-solving and fabrication were key.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.

• An eagerness to learn and contribute to solving complex propulsion engineering challenges in space technology.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in propulsion systems, including liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion.

• Awareness of propellant chemistry, material mechanical properties, relevant spacecraft specifications, or

• Familiarity with Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams, fluid system components such as solenoid valves, fitting systems (Swagelok, AN, NPT, welded tubing), regulators, pressure vessels, tube routing and bending. Performed component
  selection for propulsion systems.

• Experience with CAD software, particularly Creo Parametric, for creating and reviewing part and assembly models and drawings.

• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  practices or manufacturing deign constraints.

• Experience working with microcontrollers, industrial controls, such as PLCs, or familiarity with data acquisition systems such as
  DeweSoft.

What You’ll Get:

• Compensation: Competitive internship compensation.

• Innovation: Contribute to the design and testing of first launch of next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems.

• Impact: Your work will directly support Quantum Space’s mission to enable cutting-edge propulsion technologies and space exploration.

• Career Growth: Work alongside experienced engineers and gain hands-on experience that will be valuable throughout your career.

Additional Information:

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

If you’re passionate about spacecraft propulsion systems and eager to contribute to the future of space exploration, we want to hear from you.

Apply now. Let’s engineer the future together.