Senior Environmental Test Systems Engineer (LabVIEW)

About the role

Stratolaunch is dedicated to advancing hypersonic testing capabilities and is seeking a Senior Environmental Test Systems Engineer to become a vital member of our environmental test team. This position emphasizes the environmental and functional evaluation of components critical to the Talon air-launched hypersonic vehicle initiatives. You will engage in all stages of the testing lifecycle, from initial planning through to execution, playing a crucial role in the validation of avionics systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Formulate comprehensive environmental test plans, procedures, and documentation that adhere to both internal and external testing requirements.
• Engage in both onsite and offsite environmental testing efforts, ensuring thorough execution of protocols.
• Collaborate in the scheduling and coordination of testing activities, which may involve travel to various testing facilities as needed.
• Perform failure analysis and devise recovery strategies in response to any test failures encountered.
• Operate and maintain a variety of environmental testing apparatus, including vibration tables and thermal chambers.
• Design and implement innovative environmental test instrumentation systems, providing ongoing support for their operation.
• Ensure the upkeep of existing environmental test instrumentation systems, maintaining their functionality and reliability.
• Apply knowledge of environmental testing standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461 to all testing activities.

Requirements

• A degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, avionics, experimental aircraft, or launch vehicle integration is essential.
• A robust understanding of environmental testing at the component level is required.
• Proven experience in integrating electrical systems within launch vehicles or aircraft is necessary.
• Proficiency in designing test instrumentation systems is expected.
• Familiarity with reviewing both electrical and mechanical schematics is crucial.
• Strong communication abilities are needed to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions to various stakeholders.
• Capability to work autonomously and prioritize tasks in alignment with organizational goals is essential.
• Experience in the development of complex aerospace systems is highly valued.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and requirements is necessary.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with environmental acceptance and qualification testing is a plus.
• A background in developing software for test systems would be beneficial.
• Understanding of the entire data acquisition lifecycle, from selecting instrumentation to processing data, is advantageous.
• Experience in testing RF components, including transmitters, GPS systems, RF cabling, and antennas, is desirable.
• Familiarity with conducting EMC testing according to MIL-STD-461 or similar standards is a plus.
• Knowledge of testing standards such as RCC-319-19, DO-160, or SMC-S-16 would be beneficial.
• Experience with NI cRIO or cDAQ platforms for data collection and test automation is a plus.
• Familiarity with Curtiss-Wright KAM-500 DAS and IADS data processing software is advantageous.
• Experience in creating digital test procedures is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks is desirable.
• Familiarity with electrical wiring software such as Capital or Zuken is a plus.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in programming languages including Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB.
• Familiarity with issue tracking systems, preferably JIRA, is expected.
• Experience with Git for software version control is required.
• Comfortable with command line operations and scripting languages, including Python and PowerShell.

Practical notes

• This position is located in Mojave, CA, with an estimated travel requirement of less than 10% to support testing activities.
• The base salary for Level II positions ranges from $101,000 to $146,500, while Senior level roles offer between $120,500 and $158,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits include a 9/80 work schedule, comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and tuition reimbursement.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Please note that certain positions may require U.S. citizenship for government clearance purposes.

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.