Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
Stratolaunch is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development of an air-launched, high-speed vehicle development program. This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, and test vehicles with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system-level decisions to meet customer requirements. An ideal candidate has significant prototype development experience across multiple disciplines and subsystems, leading to first flights. An ideal candidate will have experience and engineering judgment in aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics, rocket propulsion system development, thermal-structural-mechanical design, and avionics and electrical systems. A qualified candidate will have significant experience in at least two of the areas listed.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work hand-in-hand with the Program Manager to lead the program to a successful outcome, filling in gaps where needed
Lead a diverse team of multi-disciplined engineers to execute the development of a high-speed vehicle system, by directly managing the Responsible Engineer of each subsystem
Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines, including: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls, aero-thermodynamics, etc.
Guide the team to identify and resolve system-level architecture requirements issues
Identify and mitigate technical risks through risk-reduction testing campaigns
Lead the systems engineering approach and fill gaps in the team, which may include: creating or determining analysis uncertainties, creating and dispositioning requirements, mass properties management, guiding the configuration management of models, reviewing and approving documents/reports/analyses, setting engineering and design best practices and standards for the program, guiding the program's engineering-manufacturing process, waiving or approving ground testing based on technical risk assessments, etc.
Lead the successful execution of design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight test
Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team
Successfully collaborate with other departments for the success of the program and the engineering team, including: Manufacturing, Test and Operations, Human Resources, Program Management, Quality Assurance, etc.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life-cycle involvement on at least two programs
Proficient with systems engineering practices, tools, and approaches
Significant experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on more than one vehicle subsystem
Significant experience leading or participating in ground and flight test campaigns
Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation
Significant experience working with and maintaining customer relationships
Experience working in small engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities
Experience and comfort working in engineering environments without significant processes and guard-rails in place
Proficient with MS Office
Familiarity with configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc.
Excellent written & verbal communication
Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with hypersonic and supersonic vehicle development
Experience with air-launched vehicle development
Experience with rocket propulsion systems
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter
Significant hands-on aircraft build experience
Experience with JAMA requirements software
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Staff-Level ($128,500-$186,400): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Principal-Level ($161,000-$233,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Sr. Principal-Level ($202,000-$293,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 25+ years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eligible for up to 20% annual bonus (DoE)
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable:
This position is located in Mojave, CA. - An on-site work arrangement is strongly preferred. Hybrid work arrangements ( minimum onsite presence of 50% ) may be considered for highly-qualified candidates.
Travel estimated to be
