Data Analyst

About the role

Stratolaunch is seeking a Data Analyst to join their growing team based in Mojave, California. The role involves working with large and complex datasets generated from flight operations, vehicle testing, and advanced manufacturing processes. The Data Analyst will support decision-making across multiple engineering and operational teams by transforming raw data into clear, actionable insights that drive meaningful outcomes. This position plays a critical part in helping Stratolaunch advance its long-term mission of providing convenient, affordable, and routine access to space for a wide range of payloads and customers.

Key facts

What you'll do

Analyze flight test data and telemetry streams to identify meaningful trends, patterns, and anomalies in overall vehicle performance across multiple test campaigns. Build interactive dashboards and clear visualizations that communicate key operational metrics to engineering leads and senior leadership stakeholders on a regular basis. Collaborate closely with the flight operations team to define data collection requirements and instrumentation plans for upcoming test campaigns and vehicle demonstrations. Clean, validate, and preprocess large datasets drawn from multiple sources to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability of all downstream analyses and reports. Develop and refine statistical models that directly support vehicle design decisions, performance optimization efforts, and risk assessment throughout the development lifecycle. Write complex SQL queries and Python scripts to efficiently extract, transform, and load data from a variety of operational databases and data warehouses. Produce comprehensive weekly and monthly reports that summarize test outcomes, cost metrics, schedule adherence, and other key performance indicators for management review. Partner with the manufacturing engineering group to analyze production line data, identify bottlenecks, and recommend targeted efficiency improvements on the factory floor. Support the integration of new data pipelines from ground systems, flight instrumentation, and partner-supplied telemetry feeds into the central analytics platform. Present analytical findings in both written and verbal formats during team meetings, ensuring that methodologies are well documented and analyses are fully reproducible.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, engineering, or computer science is required for this position. At least 3 years of professional experience analyzing operational or engineering datasets in a fast-paced technical environment is expected. Demonstrated proficiency in SQL for querying and manipulating large relational databases is essential for day-to-day work. Strong experience with Python or R for data analysis, scripting, and automation is a core requirement. Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is needed to build effective reports and dashboards. A solid understanding of statistical methods including regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and distribution modeling is important. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines is necessary. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required for presenting complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience handling time-series data from sensors, telemetry systems, or similar high-frequency data sources is highly valued. Comfort working with messy, incomplete, or inconsistent real-world datasets in production environments is essential for success in this role.

Nice to have

Experience with aerospace or defense industry data formats, standards, and regulatory requirements is a strong plus. Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure for data storage and large-scale processing is highly desirable. Familiarity with version control tools like Git for tracking analysis code and collaborating with development teams is valued. A background in high-performance computing or parallel data processing frameworks such as Apache Spark is a significant advantage.

Skills & tools

SQL for database querying, data manipulation, and complex analytical joins across multiple tables. Python or R for statistical analysis, data transformation, automation, and building reproducible analysis workflows. Tableau or Power BI for creating interactive dashboards, reports, and visual presentations for diverse audiences. Excel for ad hoc analysis, quick calculations, and rapid prototyping of analytical approaches and models. Git for version control of analysis scripts, notebooks, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and collaboration. Cloud platforms including AWS or Azure for scalable data storage, processing, and workflow orchestration.

Practical notes

This role is based at Stratolaunch's facilities in Mojave, California, and is expected to be performed on-site at the company's campus. Candidates should be prepared for a work environment that includes exposure to manufacturing floors, testing areas, and active flight operations. The position reports to the data engineering or analytics team lead within the broader engineering organization at Stratolaunch. Stratolaunch considers applicants on a case-by-case basis and encourages those with relevant experience and skills to apply regardless of their background or previous career path.

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.