Carrier Aircraft Chief 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.

Stratolaunch is seeking a Chief Engineer to be the technical owner of our growing fleet of launch platform aircraft, which includes the Spirit of Mojave, a 747-400, and Roc, the largest aircraft by wingspan in the world. In this role you will lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams to support modification, maintenance, and operation of our experimental test aircraft in support of air-launched hypersonic testing. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player with significant experience across experimental aircraft and air-launch platforms, possessing a breadth of technical expertise across aircraft systems, aircraft certification, store certification, maintenance, and operations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Accountable for the technical data packages for Stratolaunch owned launch platforms, including technical baselines and change control.

Partner with the Launch Platform Program Manager to ensure launch platform readiness for test operations and execute aircraft modification programs

Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution within the Launch Platform service center

Partner with internal hypersonic vehicle programs and external customers to execute store integration and certification efforts with Stratolaunch aircraft

Partner with the Maintenance and Operations organizations to achieve experimental aircraft certifications

Support test planning and execution as required (ground and flight)

Support business proposals and planning for new launch platform programs

Facilitate successful technical meetings and reviews such as Engineering Review Board phase-gate technical reviews. (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR)

Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team

Manage engineering staff dedicated to the Launch Platforms service center

Effectively collaborate across the enterprise in support of business objectives and program execution

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:

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated proficiency as a front-line manager of technical employees

Experience maintaining, modifying, and testing experimental aircraft

Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader and experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical performance considerations when making decisions

Experience recruiting and hiring engineers

Experience supporting defense contracts and working on classified programs

Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders

Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended technical problems

Strong Systems Engineering fundamentals

Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals

Familiarity with relevant components of the FAR (e.g. Part 21, Part 25)

US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience integrating air-launched stores onto launch platforms

Familiarity with common military store carriage devices and bomb racks (e.g. MAU-12)

Expertise in MIL-STD and MIL-HDBK documents pertinent to store certification and store integration (e.g. MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-HDBK-1763) and experience with store certification efforts and authorities

Experience working in matrixed organizations supporting multiple programs

Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer overseeing development programs

Experience and expertise in hypersonic flight vehicle design, development, and test

Active DOD security clearance

EDUCATION 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

Principal Level ($181,000-$237,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site. Consideration for hybrid (…