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Propulsion Test Engineer

Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch

Quality Assurance
Mojave, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 22, 2025

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 (https://www.stratolaunch.com/) is seeking a Level-II or Senior-level Propulsion Test/Operations Engineer to support the Talon-A (https://www.stratolaunch.com/vehicles/talon-a/) hypersonic vehicle propulsion team flight test operations. This position is responsible for a variety of activities, including supporting analysis, reviews, testing, operations, and troubleshooting of the propulsion system. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration. Ideal candidates will have an aerospace background and relevant experience in aerospace propulsion systems testing and operations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct test operations as an engineer in the control room and direct others, as required

  • Develop and document test requirements, plans, procedures, and reports

  • Develop hardware for propulsion test and operations

  • Manage propulsion GSE and associated Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams

  • Conduct propulsion system analyses and studies in support of test activities

  • Prepare and support Test Readiness Reviews and post-test Data Reviews

  • Assist mechanics in integrating components and assemblies onto the Talon Vehicle

  • Test propulsion components and/or assemblies to prepare for integrated ground testing

  • Propulsion system troubleshooting

  • Develop engineering tools, as needed, to complete tasking

  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Talon-A Propulsion Test/Operations Team Lead

  • Travel, as needed, to support the department

  • 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:

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: fluid subsystem design, component or assembly level mechanical or fluid testing, rocket testing, cryogenic fluid systems, electrical and/or instrumentation experience

  • 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 perform in high pressure environments

  • Experience with propulsion ground testing

  • Experience with writing and developing test plans, procedures, and reports

  • Experience with instrumentation and component calibration

  • Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution

  • Experience with designing ground test hardware

  • Experience troubleshooting complex systems

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience acting as a Test Conductor

  • Experience supporting Test Readiness Reviews

  • Experience with liquid oxygen systems

  • Liquid rocket engine testing experience

  • Control Room experience

  • Experience creating engineering drawings and work instructions

  • Existing security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

  • MS Office ( Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook )

  • Programming – Matlab or Python

Preferred Computer Skills:

  • Computer Aided Design tools – Solidworks

  • Programming - Simulink/Simscape

  • Familiarity with configuring data acquisition systems – Curtiss-Wright DAS Studio ( preferred )

  • Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira ( preferred )

  • IADS experience

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Level II ( $80,000-$142,000 ): Bachelor’s degree ( B.S. ) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Sr. Level ( $95,500-$170,000 ): Bachelor’s degree ( B.S. ) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position on-site based in Mojave, CA

  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%

  • #LI-Onsite

  • #LI-WG1

  • #hypersonicprogram

  • #propulsion

Benefits (https://careers.stratolaunch.com/benefits/) and our location(s) :

  • Relocation eligible to local area – Our Locations (https://careers.stratolaunch.com/locations/)

  • 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: 131