Systems Engineer

About the role

Stratolaunch is seeking a Systems Engineer across various experience levels, including I, II, Senior, or Staff, to play a crucial role in the Integration and Test (I&T) of both aircraft and hypersonic vehicles. The successful candidate will bring expertise in aerospace systems integration and testing, collaborating closely with a diverse team of engineers and program managers to ensure successful project outcomes.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with systems engineering, test team engineers, and program leadership to plan and execute vehicle integration and testing activities effectively.
• Develop and implement testing procedures that involve hardware-in-the-loop and on-vehicle assessments.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary engineering team to keep a current database of test objectives.
• Ensure that all testing activities are in alignment with vehicle specifications and requirements.
• Engage in test planning, conduct Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), execute tests, troubleshoot issues, and analyze data post-testing.
• Design and refine methodologies and tools for data review and analysis to enhance testing processes.
• Comprehend the interdependencies and connections among various subsystems within the vehicles.
• Establish and maintain standards for test planning and documentation to ensure consistency and quality.
• Demonstrate integrity and accountability in meeting commitments and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Experience working in small, agile engineering teams with a variety of responsibilities.
• Background in testing, including vehicle integration, ground testing, or flight testing.
• Familiarity with aerospace systems, including avionics, instrumentation, software, fluid systems, liquid rockets, and structural components.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required.

Nice to have

• Experience serving as a Test Conductor in previous roles.
• Participation in systems engineering for significant technical reviews, such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, or Critical Design Review.
• Understanding of aerospace industry standards related to vehicle configuration and modifications.
• Experience in the development of air-launched supersonic or hypersonic vehicles.
• Skills in identifying and managing technical risks associated with engineering projects.
• Experience in defining, managing, and verifying requirements for hypersonic vehicles with hot-structure airframes.
• Current DOD Secret security clearance is a plus.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with CAD software, with a preference for Solidworks.
• Experience with configuration management tools, such as Jira.
• Knowledge of requirement management systems like Jama, Cameo, or DOORS.

Practical notes

This position is primarily based in Mojave, CA, with expected travel to be less than 10% to support program needs.

Stratolaunch is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or harassment at any stage of the recruitment and employment process. U.S. Citizenship may be necessary for roles that require government clearance or are subject to certain restrictions.

Education & experience

• Level I ($83,000-$120,500): Requires a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 0-2 years of engineering experience, or a suitable combination of education and experience.
• Level II ($101,079-$146,500): Requires a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, or a suitable combination of education and experience.
• Senior Level ($120,500-$158,000): Requires a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, or a suitable combination of education and experience.
• Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Requires a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, or a suitable combination of education and experience.

Join us at Stratolaunch, where you can contribute to advancements in aerospace technology while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.

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.