Head OF Engineering

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 Staff- or Principal-level Environmental Test Engineer, to lead the environmental test team. This position includes overseeing and supporting environmental and functional testing of various components that contribute to the development and flight of air-launched, hypersonic vehicle programs through all aspects of the test program (ground and air support equipment and flight test). You will oversee and contribute to test planning, execution, failure analysis, and overall validation of the hypersonic vehicle systems with a focus on avionics components. This position will include participating in coordination, scheduling, and testing of a broad range of components. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Accountable for all aspects of Environmental Test service center operation, including personnel, infrastructure, and budget management Provide technical direction, leadership, and mentorship to a team of engineers and specialists Review the work of team members to ensure technical accuracy and quality Lead and support creation of environmental test plans, procedures, and reports to satisfy internal and external test requirements Oversee and participate in environmental tests, both onsite and offsite Lead and/or contribute to root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations and implement corrective actions prevent future failures Interface with regulatory agencies to support range approval of flights, including test plans, test reports, and waiver/corrective action support Oversee and manage development, improvement, and maintenance of automated test systems Oversee procurement, maintenance, and operation of current and future environmental test equipment, such as vibration tables and thermal chambers Support operation of existing environmental test instrumentation systems Develop and maintain capability roadmaps for the Environmental Test service center and lead the realization of those capabilities QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS Required Qualifications Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: electrical engineering, software engineering, avionics, experimental aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration Knowledge and understanding of test and environmental standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, SMC-S-16, etc. Environmental acceptance and qualification testing experience Experience developing test system software Fundamental knowledge and understanding of environmental component level tests Experience or knowledge of designing test instrumentation systems Demonstrated ability as a technical leader and people manager Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended engineering 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 Experience with automated testing Experience reviewing electrical and mechanical schematics Experience with full life cycle of data acquisition from instrumentation selection to data processing Experience with testing of RF components such as RF transmitters, GPS systems, RF cabling, and RF antennas Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft electrical systems Knowledge of and experience performing EMC testing per MIL-STD-461 or similar Experience with NI cRIO, cDAQ platforms for data collection and test automation Experience with Curtiss-Wright KAM-500 DAS and IADS data processing software for data acquisition Experience developing digital test procedures Experience using SolidWorks or CAD software Experience using Capital, Zuken or other electrical wiring software Required Computer Skills MS Office Suite Expertise using Python, C/C++, LabVIEW, MATLAB or equivalent Preferred Computer Skills Experience with issue tracking systems - (JIRA preferred) Experience with Git for software configuration management Comfortable using command line programming EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Staff-level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution with 10-20 years of experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience Principal-level ($175,500-$230,300): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution with 20+ years of 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 Benefits ( and our location(s) ( 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 $11,500 Tuition reimbursement This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties. 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. 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. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Job Category: Engineering Req ID: 224 #J-18808-Ljbffr