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 lead the development of an air-launched, high-speed vehicle development program. This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, and test vehicles with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system-level decisions to meet customer requirements. An ideal candidate has significant prototype development experience across multiple disciplines and subsystems, leading to first flights. An ideal candidate will have experience and engineering judgment in aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics, rocket propulsion system development, thermal-structural-mechanical design, and avionics and electrical systems. A qualified candidate will have significant experience in at least two of the areas listed.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work hand-in-hand with the Program Manager to lead the program to a successful outcome, filling in gaps where needed.
- Lead a diverse team of multi-disciplined engineers to execute the development of a high-speed vehicle system, by directly managing the Responsible Engineer of each subsystem.
- Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines, including: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls, aero-thermodynamics, etc.
- Guide the team to identify and resolve system-level architecture requirements issues.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks through risk-reduction testing campaigns.
- Lead the systems engineering approach and fill gaps in the team, which may include: creating or determining analysis uncertainties, creating and dispositioning 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 program, guiding the program’s engineering-manufacturing process, waiving or approving ground testing based on technical risk assessments, etc.
- Lead the successful execution of design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight test.
- Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team.
- Successfully collaborate with other departments for the success of the program and the engineering team, including: Manufacturing, Test and Operations, Human Resources, Program Management, Quality Assurance, etc.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life-cycle involvement on at least two programs.
- Proficient with systems engineering practices, tools, and approaches.
- Significant experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on more than one vehicle subsystem.
- Significant experience leading or participating in ground and flight test campaigns.
- Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation.
- Significant experience working with and maintaining customer relationships.
- Experience working in small engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities.
- Experience and comfort working in engineering environments without significant processes and guard-rails in place.
- Proficient with MS Office.
- Familiarity with configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc.
- Excellent written & verbal communication.
- Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with hypersonic and supersonic vehicle development.
- Experience with air-launched vehicle development.
- Experience with rocket propulsion systems.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter.
- Significant hands-on aircraft build experience.
- Experience with JAMA requirements software.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Staff-Level ($128,500-$186,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Principal-Level ($161,000-$233,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Sr. Principal-Level ($202,000-$293,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 25+ years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Eligible for up to 20% annual bonus (DoE).
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable:
- This position is located in Mojave, CA, minimally 50% on-site.
- Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program.
Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role:
To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.
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.
Job Category: Engineering
Req ID: 91
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