Mechanical Engineer, Technical 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 Sr. or Staff level Structural or Mechanical Engineer to lead continued development and improvements for the small fleet of air-launched, Talon-A hypersonic flight vehicle systems. This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, integrate, and test vehicle and payload system improvements to meet customer requirements and need. An ideal candidate has prototype development or small scale-production experience, with a focus in thermal-structural-mechanical design, leading to first flights.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Work hand-in-hand with the program responsible engineers, Payload Lead, and Talon-A Chief Engineer

Lead a diverse integrated product team (IPT) of mechanical engineers, structural engineers, structural analysts, dynamics analysts, and manufacturing engineers

Support structural development of the hypersonic vehicle system improvements and integration of payloads, including trade studies and structural layout

Responsible for making technical decisions for the structures subsystem

Lead the successful execution of structural design reviews to advance the program vehicles through manufacturing and flight test

Lead structural systems engineering approach, which may include: creating and dispositioning structural requirements, mass properties management, guiding the configuration management of models, reviewing and approving documents/reports/analyses, setting engineering and design best practices and standards for the structures team, waiving or approving ground testing based on structural technical risk assessments, etc.

Regular and comprehensive communication to program Chief Engineer

Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems

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: structures, loads, structural-thermal analysis, mechanical systems, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration

Experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles

Experience as a structural or mechanical design engineer on a structures team

Experience with composite structures analysis, design, and manufacturing

Technical leadership experience

Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors

Experience with risk management

Experience working in small engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities

Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals

Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Excellent written verbal communication

Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook)

Configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc.

3D CAD experience - CATIA or Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development, including a full life cycle of the program

Experience with air-launched vehicle development

Experience with BMI or epoxy pre-preg composites

Experience with static structural testing

Active security clearance

Preferred Computer Skills:

Experience with FEMAP and NX NASTRAN

Experience with PLM tool like TeamCenter

Programming - Python, C++, or MATLAB

EDUCATION 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

Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): 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

Consideration for hybrid work schedule for a well-qualified candidate

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be 10%

#LIOnsite

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, …