Propulsion Build & Manufacturing Lead

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5 . Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Propulsion or Mechanical Engineer to lead design, integration, testing, and maintenance of Talon-A hypersonic aircraft rocket propulsion systems. An ideal candidate will have both mechanical and fluid subsystem component design experience. You will be considered a subject matter expert and provide technical leadership and mentorship to a group of propulsion engineers. This position will include evaluation of a broad range of technical data.

Essential Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, build, and test of propulsion flight and ground hardware
• Perform structural, fluid, and thermal analysis of mechanical components and/or assemblies
• Create component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware
• Create and maintain work instructions to install flight hardware onto vehicles
• Assist mechanics in integrating all components and assemblies onto the aircraft and/or ground systems
• Order materials and components, as required
• Test propulsion components and/or assemblies to prepare for integrated subsystem testing
• Develop engineering tools, as needed, to complete tasking
• Maintain inventory tracking of critical propulsion components
• Manage supplier relations with key vendors
• Technical ownership of clean rooms
• Management of a small team of direct reports (1:1s, reviews, etc.)
• Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning
• Track vehicle propulsion configuration
• Review and release drawings, work instructions, analysis reports, etc.
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Propulsion Lead
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Travel, as needed, to support the department
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: fluid subsystem design, mechanical design, structural engineering, component or assembly level mechanical or fluid testing, rocket testing, cryogenic fluid systems, electrical and/or instrumentation experience
• Experience with fluid-mechanical component design and stress analysis
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling of parts and assemblies
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on their own initiative
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating engineering drawings and work instructions
• Experience leading a team of engineers
• Knowledge of oxygen systems and oxygen cleanliness
• Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
  
  

Required Computer Skills

• Computer Aided Design tools
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  
  

Preferred Computer Skills

• Computer Aided Design tools – Solidworks
• Programming – Matlab or Python
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)
  
  

Education & Experience

• Level II ($80,000-$142,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 4-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr Level ($95.500-$169,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($124,500-$221,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  
  

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position based in Mojave, CA

Travel estimated to be

#Propulsion

Benefits and our location(s):

• Relocation eligible to local area – Our Locations
• 9/80 schedule
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to the IRS annual limit
• Tuition reimbursement
  
  

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role:

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Is The Law

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf