Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Vehicle

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 a high-impact technical leader for hypersonic air vehicle programs. This position will be the top technical authority and conscience on their development program. This position is trusted to lead people, to develop and execute technical strategies for open-ended problems, manage risk, and to communicate successfully with internal and external customers. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player with significant experience across aerospace platforms, possessing a breadth of technical expertise across aircraft systems, aircraft certification, store certification, maintenance, and operations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner with Program Director/Managers and support functions to achieve successful customer program execution

Experience acting as a program integrator/prime contractor

Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines to

include: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls and aero-thermodynamics

Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution

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

Support business proposals and planning

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

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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader and experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical

performance considerations when making decisions

Demonstrated proficiency as a front-line manager of technical employees

Experience maintaining, modifying, or testing aerospace platforms

Experience recruiting and hiring engineers

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

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

US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer of development programs

Experience with hypersonic and supersonic vehicle development

Experience supporting defense contracts and working on classified programs

Hypersonic/high-speed tactical missile experience highly desirable (e.g. multi-stage systems, hot structure airframes, launch platform integration)

Experience with rocket propulsion systems

Active TS/SCI security clearance

Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter

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

Sr. Principal-Level ($k): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 25+ years of relevant 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 (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.

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

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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 our location(s) :

9/80 schedule

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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

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 …