Manufacturing Engineer (Tanks)

Quantum Space
Tulsa, OK
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level manufacturing engineers who have hands-on experience with pressure vessels and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in aerospace manufacturing and a track record in pressure vessel development
    — “developing and scaling repeatable manufacturing processes, tooling, and test methods for some of the most safety-critical components”
  • Individuals who can lead cross-functional teams and manage complex process qualification tasks
    — “Working closely with design engineering, materials and processes, manufacturing, quality, and test teams”
  • Engineers with a background in titanium, aluminum, and stainless alloys welding techniques
    — “Experience with TIG, orbital, electron beam, or friction stir welding of titanium, aluminum, and stainless alloys”

Things to consider

  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual”
  • This role demands ownership of manufacturing readiness and process outcomes
    — “take responsibility for production quality, safety, and manufacturing readiness”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with process qualification and first-article builds on your resume
    — “Lead first-article builds, process qualification, and qualification tank builds”
  • Emphasize your background in nondestructive inspection and weld joint design
    — “Partner with design engineering on tank design for manufacturability, weld joint design”
  • Showcase your understanding of aerospace welding standards like AWS D17.1 and NASA-STD-5006
    — “Experience with AWS D17.1, NASA-STD-5006, or similar aerospace welding specifications”
  • Demonstrate your ability to manage safety-critical hardware in high-stakes environments
    — “ensure the production of safe, reliable, and flight-ready spacecraft hardware”
  • Document your experience with proof pressure, leak testing, and safety controls
    — “Develop and execute proof pressure, leak, and volumetric test procedures and the associated safety controls”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Developed and implemented manufacturing processes for propellant tanks
  • Led first-article builds and process qualification
Typical background
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, materials, or welding engineering3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Manufacturing EngineeringPressure VesselsWeldingInspectionPrecision Cleaning

Preferred

Spacecraft ManufacturingTIG WeldingAWS D17.1NDI Methods

Stack & domain

Manufacturing EngineeringPressure VesselsWeldingInspectionNDI MethodsDome FormingPrecision CleanLeadershipCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkSpacecraftPropulsionNational SecurityCivilCommercial

About the role

Original posting from Quantum Space via Greenhouse

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 skilled and technically driven Manufacturing Engineer (Tanks) to lead the development, qualification, and implementation of manufacturing processes for propellant tanks, pressurant tanks, and pressure vessels supporting our Ranger spacecraft program at our Tulsa manufacturing center. In this role, you will oversee critical manufacturing operations including forming, machining, welding, inspection, proof and leak testing, and precision cleaning to ensure the production of safe, reliable, and flight-ready spacecraft hardware.

You will play a critical role in developing and scaling repeatable manufacturing processes, tooling, and test methods for some of the most safety-critical components of our spacecraft. Working closely with design engineering, materials and processes, manufacturing, quality, and test teams, you will support first-article builds, process qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives as Ranger transitions from development into rate production.

This position is ideal for an engineer who combines strong manufacturing engineering expertise with hands-on experience in pressure vessels, welded structures, or safety-critical hardware and thrives in a fast-paced environment where precision, safety, innovation, and mission success are essential.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Develop, qualify, and own manufacturing processes for metallic tanks and pressure vessels, including dome forming, machining, weld prep, welding, and post-weld processing

Design and procure weld fixtures, handling tooling, and GSE for tank fabrication and test

Develop and execute proof pressure, leak, and volumetric test procedures and the associated safety controls

Define and implement nondestructive inspection (X-ray, dye penetrant, ultrasonic) and dimensional inspection plans for welds and tank features

Partner with design engineering and materials and processes on tank design for manufacturability, weld joint design, and tolerance stack-ups

Lead first-article builds, process qualification, and qualification tank builds; document results

Lead root cause and corrective action on weld defects, dimensional nonconformances, and test failures

Own cycle time, yield, and cost for tank fabrication and drive improvements as volume increases

Ensure all pressure system work complies with safety standards and mission assurance requirements

What It Takes

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, materials, or welding engineering

3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering for pressure vessels, tanks, welded structures, or similar safety-critical hardware

Nice-to-Have Experience

Experience manufacturing spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aircraft propellant tanks or pressure vessels

Experience with TIG, orbital, electron beam, or friction stir welding of titanium, aluminum, and stainless alloys

Experience with AWS D17.1, NASA-STD-5006, or similar aerospace welding specifications

Experience with proof, leak, and burst testing and pressure system safety (ASME, AIAA S-080/S-081, or range safety requirements)

Experience with NDI methods and acceptance criteria for welds

Experience with dome forming, spinning, or large-part machining

Experience with precision cleaning and propellant compatibility for fluid system hardware

Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and mission assurance practices for flight hardware

What You’ll Get

Ownership – Lead the development, qualification, and implementation of manufacturing processes for mission-critical spacecraft propellant tanks, pressurant tanks, and pressure vessels, taking responsibility for production quality, safety, and manufacturing readiness

Innovation – Develop and implement advanced fabrication, welding, inspection, and testing processes supporting next-generation spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems

Impact – Play a direct role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of flight-ready propellant tanks and pressure vessels supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions

Growth – Join a collaborative, fast-paced engineering and manufacturing team where you can expand your technical expertise, establish scalable manufacturing capabilities, and help shape the future of spacecraft production

Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.x`

Location: Tulsa, OK

Base Salary: $68,000-80,000

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.

Source: Quantum Space careers (Greenhouse)

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