Environmental Test Systems Engineer (LabVIEW)

About the role

Stratolaunch is seeking a highly skilled mid to senior-level Environmental Test Systems Engineer to join our dedicated environmental test team. This role is essential for supporting the environmental and functional testing of critical components used in the Talon hypersonic vehicle programs. As part of this team, you will be responsible for developing test plans, executing tests, analyzing results, and ensuring compliance with aerospace testing standards. Your work will directly contribute to the successful development, qualification, and operation of our advanced aerospace systems, including launch vehicles and experimental aircraft. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects in a collaborative environment that values innovation, precision, and safety.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop detailed environmental test plans, procedures, and reports that meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Lead and participate in environmental testing activities, including thermal, vibration, shock, and other environmental tests, both on-site at Mojave and at external test facilities.
• Coordinate and assist in scheduling tests, ensuring all resources and equipment are prepared and available.
• Travel to external test sites as needed, with less than 5% travel expected for testing activities.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain environmental testing equipment such as thermal chambers, vibration tables, and other specialized test hardware.
• Design, support, and troubleshoot environmental test instrumentation systems, including data acquisition hardware and software.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with relevant aerospace standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and other applicable standards.
• Analyze test data to identify failures, anomalies, or deviations from expected results, and develop strategies for troubleshooting and recovery.
• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and systems engineering teams to resolve testing issues and improve test processes.
• Document test procedures, results, and analyses thoroughly, preparing technical reports for internal review and external certification bodies.
• Support the qualification and acceptance testing of aerospace components, subsystems, and systems, ensuring all testing meets program requirements.
• Assist in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues encountered during testing, providing technical expertise for problem resolution.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data analysis techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of test configurations, setups, and results for traceability and future reference.
• Support the development of new environmental test instrumentation systems, including hardware integration and software configuration.
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability and test planning early in the product development cycle.
• Stay current with industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies related to aerospace environmental testing.

Requirements

• Proven experience in electrical engineering, software engineering, avionics, or related fields involving experimental aircraft, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental testing at the component or system level, including thermal, vibration, shock, and other environmental tests.
• Experience integrating electrical systems and designing test instrumentation systems for aerospace applications.
• Ability to interpret and review electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and test documentation.
• Familiarity with aerospace testing standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and other relevant standards.
• Strong analytical skills for data analysis, troubleshooting, and failure investigation.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and preparing technical reports.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel less than 5% for testing activities at external sites.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
• Experience with environmental acceptance and qualification testing is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of data acquisition hardware such as NI cRIO, cDAQ, Curtiss-Wright KAM-500 DAS, and IADS software is advantageous.
• Familiarity with RF testing, GPS systems, antennas, and EMC standards like MIL-STD-461 is a plus.
• Ability to develop and support test system software, including programming in LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar tools is beneficial.
• Proficiency with electrical wiring software like Capital or Zuken is advantageous.

Nice to have

• Experience in environmental acceptance and qualification testing processes.
• Background in developing and maintaining automated test systems and digital test procedures.
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software platforms used in aerospace testing.
• Knowledge of standards such as RCC-319-19, DO-160, and SMC-S-16.
• Experience testing RF components, including transmitters, GPS modules, and antennas.
• Understanding of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical systems during testing.
• Experience working with test automation tools and scripting languages to improve test efficiency.
• Knowledge of electrical wiring design and documentation using Capital, Zuken, or similar software.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB.
• Experience with issue tracking systems, particularly JIRA.
• Familiarity with Git version control for software development.
• Comfortable working with command line interfaces and scripting environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to document procedures, test results, and technical analyses clearly and accurately.

Practical notes

• This position is based in Mojave, CA, at our dedicated facility.
• Travel to external test sites is expected to be less than 5%, primarily for test setup and troubleshooting.
• The salary range for Level II positions is from $101,000 to $146,500, while Senior-level roles range from $120,500 to $158,000, and Staff-level positions from $157,000 to $206,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits include a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off, healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Stratolaunch is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance, which may involve background checks and other security procedures.
• This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on innovative aerospace projects and contribute to the development of next-generation hypersonic systems.
• The position requires a proactive approach, strong technical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on safety, quality, and technological advancement.