POSITION SUMMARY

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 Staff or Principal-level Systems Engineer to serve as Lead Systems Engineer for an air-launched, hypersonic vehicle development program . The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Chief Engineer and Program Manager to achieve objectives within program constraints. This requires leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team through design, manufacturing, integration, and flight test with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system-level decisions to meet customer requirements. An ideal candidate has rapid prototype development experience across multiple disciplines and expertise in technical requirements management, leading to first flights of high-speed or hypersonic unmanned vehicles. An ideal candidate will also have experience with flight vehicle integration and test, avionics, GNC (guidance navigation and control), launch platform integration, and flight testing for hypersonic air-launched vehicles. A qualified candidate will have significant experience in at least two of the areas listed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with program leadership and lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team to define and implement systems engineering best practices

• Own the program system requirements database, including tracking and documentation of verification activities

• Oversee development of a vehicle integration and test plan that involves coordinated ground and flight test activities at the component, subsystem, and system levels

• Provide guidance and oversight to a team of multi-disciplined engineers to develop, manufacture, and flight test a high-speed, air-launched vehicle

• Manage or support management of a small team of direct reports (1:1s, reviews, work delegation, etc.)

• Act as a trusted delegate for the Chief Engineer

• Effectively manage technical risk to achieve program objectives

• Establish credibility as a trusted technical leader internally and externally

• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATION & 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

• Significant experience with the rapid development of high-speed or hypersonic flight vehicles

• Proficient with systems engineering practices and tools throughout the product development cycle

• Significant experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on more than one vehicle subsystem

• Significant experience with flight vehicle integration and test

• Experience with technical risk and opportunity management

• Significant experience working with and maintaining government customer relationships

• Significant experience working with and maintaining vendor relationships

• Experience leading small engineering teams

• Demonstrated proficiency as a technical manager

• Ability to assess and manage technical risk in an environment

• Ability to quickly adapt and lead others in a dynamic program environment with minimal established processes

• Excellent written & verbal communication

• Citizenship / ability to acquire and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance ( Current DOD clearance is preferred )

Required Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Risk and opportunity management

• Familiarity with systems engineering and configuration management tools such as Jira, Git, Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current DOD Top Secret/SCI security clearance

• Experience certifying flight termination systems

• Experience with propulsion system development

• Experience reducing flight test data and leading test failure and/or anomaly investigations

• Experience with Design for Manufacturing, especially in a low-rate production environment

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Staff Level ($126,500-$195,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

• Principal Level ($154,235-$246,300): 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

• This position is located in Mojave, CA, minimally 75% on-site

• Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program

Benefits and our location:

• Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA

• 9/80 schedule

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave up to 16 weeks

• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan up to the IRS annual limit

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Applicants must be a US Citizen in order to be considered for this role

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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Job Category: Engineering