Operations Engineer

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of hypersonic technology, focusing on operationally realistic testing at speeds exceeding Mach

5. As an Operations Engineer, you will play a vital role in the development of high-speed test vehicles designed for air-launch from our Carrier Aircraft. Your leadership will be essential in planning and executing vehicle operations, ensuring mission readiness, and collaborating closely with various engineering teams.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Assist in developing and executing test strategies, plans, and procedures for ground and flight testing of high-speed vehicles.
• Collaborate with the vehicle engineering team to address safety and operational concerns.
• Work with engineers, crew chiefs, and ground support staff to ensure operational priorities are met.
• Organize and prepare for Test & Flight Readiness Reviews.
• Identify test hazards and implement real-time mitigation strategies.
• Support maintenance and testing teams for Talon vehicles to meet operational needs.
• Manage vehicle priorities and schedules to ensure readiness for assembly, testing, and flight.
• Collaborate with Crew Chiefs to ensure vehicle configurations and maintenance are completed for mission success.
• Assist in functional system test planning and execution across various systems including avionics and propulsion.
• Coordinate with Carrier Aircraft operations teams for successful vehicle integration and testing.
• Act as a point of contact for emergency situations, ensuring personnel and equipment safety.
• Contribute to integrated vehicle ground test activities and data gathering, ensuring results are documented and controlled.
• Help refine the high-speed vehicle Concept of Operations, including operational procedures and emergency response actions.
• Participate in meetings with payload customers for integration and testing planning.
• Facilitate integration of payload hardware and software on high-speed vehicles.
• Evaluate risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure adequacy.
• Travel as required to support design, mission planning, and execution.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and initiative in fulfilling commitments.
• Develop operational concepts for launch and recovery locations, coordinating with various teams and external parties.

Requirements

• Strong technical leadership experience in an aerospace environment, with a focus on operational readiness.
• Ability to analyze tasks independently and drive projects to completion aligned with business objectives.
• Experience leading teams, making decisions, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Background with experimental or modified aircraft and safety review processes.
• Proficiency in engineering, scheduling, and test data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with risk management and safety systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and travel as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a secret security clearance.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential.

Nice to have

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Completion of a Professional Flight Test Course.
• Understanding of launch vehicle requirements and development processes.
• Experience with government flight test organizations and procedures.
• Familiarity with classified work environments or hardware.
• Previous experience as an expeditor or production superintendent.
• Existing TS/SCI Clearance.

Skills & tools

• Engineering software and analysis tools.
• Test planning and execution methodologies.
• Risk management systems.

Practical notes

• This position is based in Mojave, CA.
• Travel is estimated to be less than 20% to support departmental needs.

Base salary and leveling are determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as location, education, and skills demonstrated during the interview process.

• 9/80 work schedule.
• Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs).
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 50% company match on 401(k) contributions, up to $11,500.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for positions involving government clearance.

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.