Propulsion Test Engineer
Stratolaunch
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.
To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Senior or Staff-level Propulsion Test Engineer to support ground qualification testing of rocket engine propulsion system. Tasking includes design and development of test article hardware and facilities, ground support equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, along with supporting tests in the control room. An ideal candidate will have rocket engine development and ground hot-fire test experience. You must be comfortable with supporting your design through the entire design life cycle – from conceptual phase through integration and test. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as Test Conductor for hot-fire ground tests
Manage the propulsion test stand data acquisition system and calibration of components
Develop and document test requirements, plans, procedures, and reports
Design and develop hardware for the propulsion test stand and associated facilities
Conduct propulsion test stand system analyses and studies in support of test activities
Work in the field to prepare the site for engine testing
Test stand system troubleshooting
Support the development and application of the test stand control systems
Prepare and lead test stand Test Readiness Reviews and post-test Data Reviews
Assist mechanics in integrating components and assemblies onto the propulsion test stand
Test propulsion components and/or assemblies to prepare for integrated ground testing
Develop engineering tools, as needed, to complete tasking
Regular and comprehensive communication to the Propulsion Test group lead
Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications:
Conduct test operations as an engineer in the control room and direct others, as required
Experience with instrumentation and component calibration
Experience with writing and developing test plans, procedures, and reports
Experience with designing ground test hardware
Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution
Experience with propulsion ground testing
Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Rocket engine testing experience
Experience working with fluid systems
Test Conductor experience
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Required Computer Skills:
Computer Aided Design ( CAD ) tools – Siemens NX ( preferred ), CATIA, or Solidworks
MS Office ( Word, Excel, Outlook )
Programming - Matlab
Preferred Computer Skills:
Programming - Simulink/Simscape
National Instruments LabVIEW/VeriStand
National Instruments Data Acquisition
Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Sr.-level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Staff-level ($128,000-$186,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable
Position based in Mojave, CA
Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%
#propulsion
#LI-Onsite
#LI-WG1
Benefits and our location:
Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA
9/80 schedule
Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to the IRS annual limit
Tuition reimbursement
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role-
To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum .
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Job Category: Engineering
Req ID: 121
