Flight Test Engineer

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, focusing on the development of hypersonic flight test platforms that can achieve speeds exceeding Mach

5. We are looking for a skilled Flight Test Engineer to take charge of mission control operations and supervise the testing of our Roc carrier aircraft along with Talon hypersonic vehicles. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for guiding test planning, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing the technical execution of flight missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the Test Conductor or lead during both ground and flight testing activities in the mission control room.
• Lead the Mission Operations team, serving as the main liaison for program management and ensuring seamless communication.
• Develop mission documentation, including test plans and mission cards, while proactively identifying and addressing potential hazards.
• Coordinate with range resources, secure airspace access, and manage support functions essential for successful test missions.
• Facilitate flight readiness reviews and effectively communicate any vehicle limitations to the engineering teams involved.
• Provide mentorship to junior staff members and evaluate the preparedness of control room personnel for flight operations.
• Work closely with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure that test requirements align with overall program schedules.
• Analyze data from flight tests to inform future missions and improve operational protocols.
• Engage in post-test debriefings to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure that all operations adhere to established safety management systems and risk mitigation strategies.
• Adapt to dynamic mission requirements and prioritize tasks effectively to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of test activities and outcomes for compliance and reporting purposes.

Requirements

• A solid technical background in aerospace engineering or a related field, supported by relevant training.
• Proven experience leading flight test programs, particularly with experimental aircraft, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Proficiency in using IADS and MATLAB for comprehensive data analysis and interpretation.
• Familiarity with safety management systems and effective risk mitigation practices.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks independently and respond to evolving mission requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a willingness to work irregular hours as needed.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance, as required for specific projects.

Nice to have

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Graduation from a recognized test pilot school long course, enhancing your qualifications for this role.
• Experience serving as a Test Conductor for developmental flight programs.
• Background knowledge of government flight test procedures, operational ranges, or classified work environments.
• Familiarity with requirements verification processes for air-launch or high-speed flight initiatives.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in IADS for data management and analysis.
• Experienced in MATLAB for technical computations and simulations.
• Expertise in flight test planning and execution methodologies.
• Knowledgeable in mission control operations and protocols.
• Competent in risk management strategies to ensure safety and compliance.

Practical notes

• Salary ranges for this position are as follows: Level II ($101,000-$146,500), Senior ($120,000-$158,000), and Staff ($157,000-$206,000).
• The role may require approximately 5% travel for mission-related activities.
• Benefits include a 9/80 work schedule, comprehensive health insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement programs, and a 401(k) plan with a company match of 50% up to $11,500.
• U.S. Citizenship may be necessary for roles that involve government clearance or access to restricted hardware.

Join us at Stratolaunch, where your expertise will contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of flight and eager to take on a leadership role in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply for the Flight Test Engineer position.

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.