Flight Termination System 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 level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Avionics Engineer with emphasis in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) to support continued technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft. This position will also support the efforts to design, integrate, and test the FTS and AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various FTS documents. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of the FTS and AFSS

Collaborate with range safety to review and approve FTS and AFSS documentation

Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop

Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions

Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS and AFSS technical requirements

Contribute to coordination of range testing

Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development

Evaluate and determine risks and risk mitigation plans

Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis

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: electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration

Experience with FTS and/or AFSS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)

Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware

Experience working with and tailoring RCC-319 RCC-324 requirements

Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing

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

Experience with test planning and execution

Experience with risk management

Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns

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

Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement

Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis

Experience developing environmental test specifications

Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)

Engineering with computing languages tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)

Experience with government agencies

Experience with air-launch programs

Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions

Security clearance

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and 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

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

Base salary and leveling are …