Payload Systems Engineer

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.

About the role

Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr- or Staff-level Systems Engineer to oversee and support the Talon-A air-launched, hypersonic vehicle payloads mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration. An ideal candidate will have experience in vehicle integration and test, ideally with structural and/or materials focus. This role involves interfacing with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, program management, and payload customers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and contribute to payload mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration.
• Collaborate with the payload’s integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads integration, test, and data collection activities.
• Develop and track requirements.
• Ensure vehicle payloads are tested in a manner to meet customer requirements.
• Participate in test planning, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test execution, vehicle troubleshooting, and post-test data reviews.
• Architect and optimize data review methodology, as well as data review and data analysis tools.
• Set standards for test planning and documentation and ensure those standards are met.
• Coordinate internally with multi-disciplinary team and externally with customers.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments.

Requirements

• Knowledge of, and direct experience with, at least two of these disciplines (listed in order of priority): Systems Engineering, Mechanical Systems, Materials, Electrical and Avionics Systems, Propulsion Systems, GNC and Flight Controls, and Aerodynamics.
• Experience contributing to the systems engineering content for a major technical review such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, or Critical Design Review.
• Previous systems engineering experience.
• Previous technical experience with Mechanical, Structural, and/or Materials Engineering.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent written & verbal communication.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance.

Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with CAD (Solidworks preferred).
• Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Jira.
• Familiarity with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.
• Experience programming (Matlab, Python) – preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in small, dynamic engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities.
• Familiarity with structures, avionics, instrumentation, software, fluid systems, and/or liquid rockets (listed in order of priority).
• Experience maintaining aerospace industry standards for vehicle configuration and changes.
• Experience with air-launched hypersonic vehicle development.
• Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation.
• Experience defining, managing, and verifying requirements for hypersonic vehicles with hot-structure airframes.
• Current DOD Secret security clearance.

Education & Experience

• Sr-level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Schedule

• 9/80 schedule.
• Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program.

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.

Work Environment

This position is located in Mojave, CA. Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks. This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.