Propulsion Build & Manufacturing Engineer

Propulsion Build & Manufacturing Engineer

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 level II, Sr‑, or Staff‑level Propulsion or Mechanical Engineer to support design, integration, testing, and maintenance of Talon‑A hypersonic aircraft rocket propulsion systems. An ideal candidate will have both mechanical and fluid subsystem component design experience. This position will include evaluation of a broad range of technical data.

• Contribute to the development, build, and test of propulsion flight and ground hardware
• Perform structural, fluid, and thermal analysis of mechanical components and/or assemblies
• Create component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware
• Create and maintain work instructions to install flight hardware onto vehicles
• Assist mechanics in integrating all components and assemblies onto the aircraft and/or ground systems
• Order materials and components, as required
• Test propulsion components and/or assemblies to prepare for integrated subsystem testing
• Develop engineering tools, as needed, to complete tasking
• Maintain inventory tracking of critical propulsion components
• Manage supplier relations with key vendors
• Technical ownership of clean rooms
• Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning
• Track vehicle propulsion configuration
• Review and release drawings, work instructions, analysis reports, etc.
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Propulsion Lead
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments

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.

• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: fluid subsystem design, mechanical design, structural engineering, component or assembly level mechanical or fluid testing, rocket testing, cryogenic fluid systems, electrical and/or instrumentation experience
• Experience with fluid‑mechanical component design and stress analysis
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling of parts and assemblies
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on their own initiative
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Experience creating engineering drawings and work instructions
• Experience leading a team of engineers
• Knowledge of oxygen systems and oxygen cleanliness
• Experience with component‑level or subsystem level test planning and execution
• Active TS/SCI security clearance

• Computer Aided Design tools
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Power point, Outlook)

• Computer Aided Design tools – Solidworks
• Programming – MATLAB or Python
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

• Level II ($98,100‑$128,700):
  Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2‑5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr‑level ($117,000‑$153,400):
  Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5‑10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff‑level ($152,500‑$200,000):
  Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10‑20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

• Position based in Mojave, CA
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be