Principal Mechanical 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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal-level Mechanical Engineer to lead the airframe team in the development of an air-launched, hypersonic flight vehicle development program. This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, and test vehicles to meet customer structural requirements. An ideal candidate has significant prototype development experience, with focus in thermal-structural-mechanical design, leading to first flights.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead a diverse team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers

Lead structural development of the hypersonic vehicle, including trade studies and structural layout

Responsible for making final technical decisions for the structures subsystem

Lead the successful execution of structural design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into 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.

Work hand-in-hand with the program responsible engineers and Chief Engineer to lead the program to a successful outcome

Regular and comprehensive communication to program Chief Engineer

Travel, as needed, to support the program

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

Significant role in a flight vehicle airframe development or modification program.

Significant experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on a structures team

Experience with metallic structures design, analysis, and manufacturing

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

Excellent written verbal communication

Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

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

Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development

Experience with air-launched vehicle development

Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life-cycle involvement on at least one program

Experience with composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing

Experience with personnel management and small team leadership

Active Secret, TS, and/or SCI security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

3D CAD experience ( Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred )

MS Office ( Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook )

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

Preferred Computer Skills:

Experience with FEMAP, Nastran

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Principal Level ($181,000-$262,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, OR significant relevant experience for this role.

Special remarks regarding work environment:

Position based in Mojave, CA

Consideration for hybrid ( partial remote/on-site work ) work location arrangement at ~75-80% on-site time for highly-qualified candidates ( four days per week on-site )

Travel, as needed, to support the department, travel estimated to be 5%

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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.

Benefits and o…