Flight Sciences Engineer

About the role

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 or Sr-level Flight Sciences Engineer to support the conceptual design and aerodynamic analyses of hypersonic vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization on current and future vehicles
• Contribute to development of aerodynamic databases using analytical, numerical, ground and flight test data
• Perform analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate the aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control of hypersonic vehicles
• Develop aerodynamic models for a variety of hypersonic vehicle configurations
• Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses
• Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required
• Develop advanced design tools, as required
• Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and experience with aerodynamics, performance, stability & control, and atmospheric aerospace vehicle design
• Experience with subsonic, transonic, or supersonic theory and analyses
• Ability to self-start, work with urgency, and on their own initiative, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis
• Experience with hypersonic vehicle development and/or test
• Experience with supersonic vehicle development and/or test
• Experience building aerodynamics models for complex aerospace vehicles
• Experience with trajectory shaping and optimization
• Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Active security clearance

Required Computer Skills

• Scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Computer Skills

• Experience with CFD analysis tools – preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, Link3D, StarCCM, Kestrel
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools
• Experience with trajectory optimization analysis tools
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)
• Familiarity with revision control of software – Git (preferred)

Education & Experience

• Level II ($101,079–$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2–5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr-Level ($120,500–$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5–10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Work environment

While Stratolaunch is headquartered in Mojave, CA, this position offers flexibility in work location. Remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements are all available based on candidate preference and business needs. Travel, as needed, to support the department.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement