Chief Engineer
Listed on 2026-10-04
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
STRATOLAUNCH HUNTSVILLE
Help build the next chapter of hypersonic flight.
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 high-impact technical leader to be Chief Engineer to support a high-speed air breathing strike missile development program called Chimera. This position will be the top technical authority and conscience for Stratolaunch program scope. In this role, you will be trusted to lead people, develop and execute technical strategies for open-ended problems, manage risk, and communicate successfully with internal and external customers.
The ideal candidate is a demonstrated technical leader and team player with significant experience pertinent to air-launched missile system development and production.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Partner with prime contractor, Stratolaunch, and customer leadership to drive successful program execution
- Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution
- Facilitate successful technical meetings and reviews such as Engineering Review Board and technical gate reviews. (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR)
- Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines to include: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, airframe, GNC, sensors and effectors
- Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team
- Support whitepapers, proposals and other business development activities
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader with experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical performance considerations when making decisions
- Experience acting as a system integrator
- Experience leading a technical team through some aspect of missile system development
- Technical subject matter expertise in at least one technical domain of relevance (aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, airframe, GNC, sensors and effectors), which sufficient breadth to lead a multi-disciplinary development team.
- Ability to effectively manage relationship with key stakeholders, including government customers and Prime Contractor leadership
- Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended technical problems
Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals - US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer on missile development programs
- Hypersonic/high-speed tactical missile experience highly desirable (e.g. multi-stage systems, hot structure airframes, launch platform integration)
- Experience with high-speed air breathing propulsion systems
- Experience with solid rocket motor propulsion systems
- Experience transitioning developmental systems to production
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Principal-Level ($175,000 - $213,600):
Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience. - Principal-Level ($200,000 - $243,700):
Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 25+ years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable:
- This position is located in Huntsville, AL.
- Applicants must be a US Person able to obtain a security clearance to be considered for this role.
- Travel estimated to be
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