Avionics Telemetry Engineer

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of hypersonic testing technology, utilizing its Talon testbeds to provide efficient access to high-speed flight environments. We are seeking a dedicated Level II or Senior Avionics Engineer to join our engineering team. The successful candidate will focus on the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of avionics systems for hypersonic aircraft, with particular emphasis on telemetry systems. This role involves working closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure that all avionics and telemetry systems meet rigorous standards for performance, reliability, and safety, supporting our mission to advance hypersonic research and development. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace projects in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Assist in developing detailed requirements and system architecture for telemetry, instrumentation, and network systems, ensuring they support both local and extended range flight missions.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure the readiness and operational integrity of data systems for flight testing, including pre-flight checks and post-flight analysis.
• Participate in the selection, design, and integration of harnesses for new sensors, data acquisition hardware, and other avionics components, ensuring compatibility and performance.
• Oversee the configuration of aircraft instrumentation systems, including sensors and data loggers, to provide real-time data during flight operations and accurate post-flight data for analysis.
• Develop, implement, and maintain software tools necessary for configuration management, simulation, deployment, and data analysis, supporting the entire avionics lifecycle.
• Document subsystem requirements, design changes, and configurations, maintaining comprehensive records to support verification and validation activities.
• Conduct testing of instrumentation and telemetry systems, including bench testing, integration testing, and flight testing, to verify system performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Support integration testing activities, including power checks, sensor calibration, and system validation, to ensure all components function correctly within the aircraft environment.
• Collaborate with design engineers, network specialists, and technicians to troubleshoot issues, optimize system performance, and meet project milestones.
• Prepare technical documentation, presentation materials, and reports for design reviews, flight readiness reviews, and post-mission evaluations.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, responsibility, and integrity in all tasks, adhering to safety standards and project requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on system performance and suggesting enhancements to avionics and telemetry systems.

Requirements

• Proven experience in telemetry, instrumentation, or network engineering within a regulated aerospace or testing environment.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, UDP, and multicasting protocols, with experience in configuring and troubleshooting these systems.
• Hands-on experience integrating data acquisition systems, including analog and digital protocols such as ARINC 429, with mission control and data analysis software.
• Familiarity with RF components, including transmitters, receivers, encoders, and decoders, and their application in aerospace telemetry systems.
• Knowledge of data acquisition hardware and data loggers, including their setup, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to write, review, and manage system requirements documentation, ensuring clarity and completeness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of preparing technical reports and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the SECRET level or higher, which may involve background checks and other security protocols.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to support occasional travel less than 10% to facilitate testing, integration, or project meetings.

Nice to have

• Programming skills in languages such as C, C++, C#, or Python, to support automation, data analysis, and system integration tasks.
• Experience with continuous integration and deployment tools like Jenkins or Bamboo, to streamline software updates and testing workflows.
• Familiarity with source control management systems, particularly Git, for version control and collaboration.
• Prior experience working on aerospace or hypersonic testing projects, providing insight into the unique challenges of high-speed flight systems.
• Knowledge of ITAR regulations and export control procedures, ensuring compliance with government and industry standards.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment, coordinating with engineers, technicians, and project managers.

Skills & tools

• Programming proficiency in C, C++, C#, or Python.
• Expertise in Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, UDP, and multicasting protocols.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, including hardware and software components.
• RF device operation, troubleshooting, and integration skills.
• Configuration management and software development tools, including source control systems like Git.
• Office productivity tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Ability to develop and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and system diagrams.
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools relevant to avionics and telemetry systems.

Practical notes

• Salary for Level II positions ranges from $101,100 to $146,500, while Senior Level positions range from $120,500 to $158,000, depending on education and experience.
• This position is based in Mojave, CA, and involves on-site work at the company's facilities.
• Travel requirements are less than 10%, primarily for testing, integration, or project coordination activities.
• Benefits include a 9/80 work schedule, comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and tuition reimbursement programs.
• The role may require U.S. Citizenship due to potential ITAR restrictions and government contract requirements.
• Stratolaunch values diversity and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.
• Candidates should be prepared to undergo background checks and security clearance processes as part of the employment onboarding.

About the company

High-speed flight test services form the core work of this American aerospace team. Company roots trace to 2011, created by Paul Allen and Burt Rutan to explore air-launched space transport. Home base is Seattle. Earlier collaboration on SpaceShipOne informed the project. New ownership arrived in 2019 through Cerberus Capital Management. Funding remains private. Operations follow a non-traditional defense contractor model, focusing on test missions and system development under continued private investment.