Systems Manufacturing Engineer

Staff Systems/Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer (ME)

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 Systems/Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer (ME) to support the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of the electrical and avionics systems of one of our carrier or hypersonic vehicles. As an ME, you will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as the technical lead for Stratolaunch vehicle(s) currently scoped for the TA project and future TA builds
• Develop work instructions and detailed documentation to be released to the production shop for manufacturing, production, testing, or tooling
• Fully define manufacturing processes step-by-step
• Identify alternate part numbers
• Produce engineering documentation following industry standards (section views, detail views, flag notes, etc.)
• Develop process improvement documentation to establish production line standardization efforts
• Support flight vehicle systems, system interfaces, and integration
• Define system manufacturing processes to establish company practices and preferred manufacturing methods for the Shop
• Implement aerospace industry standards
• Develop Desktop and Shop Aid documentation to support current workflows
• Provide liaison engineering support to the manufacturing shop and technicians to ensure sufficient support to complete the task at hand
• Develop manufacturing processes based on Stratolaunch and aerospace industry standards
• Redline released engineering documentation
• Source and support the purchase of system components from released engineering documentation and support manufacturing-related Shop tasks (Shop setup activities, tooling, etc.)
• Evaluate a broad range of technical data and interact with different disciplines involved in the design, purchasing, manufacturing, integration, and testing of our vehicle(s)
• Analyze and verify that all engineering requirements are met to estimate fabrication time and producibility within cost and schedule constraints

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the technical lead for Stratolaunch vehicle(s) currently scoped for the TA project
• Create work instructions to fabricate or install vehicle systems, flight controls, structures, and/or payload systems
• Create drawings and work instructions for tooling that supports the build phase of a production effort
• Reference 3D CAD models and integrate them into 2D environments
• Support the Shop by acting as the engineering liaison to troubleshoot documentation issues and provide real-time support on the shop floor
• Troubleshoot mechanical vehicle build and ground test integration, as required
• Develop test plans and procedures, as required, to support systems, functionality, and ATP procedures
• Support hypersonic vehicle integrated testing, as required
• Contribute to Shop layout, setup, and improvement efforts, as required
• Contribute to departmental process improvement, continuous improvement, and overall operating excellence
• Provide regular and comprehensive communication to leadership
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• 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, skills, and/or abilities 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: vehicle systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrotechnical systems, flight controls, structures for experimental aircraft, and/or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with aerospace production documentation (drawings and work orders)
• Experience with PDM systems, engineering control, and revision control release processes
• Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft structural builds, specifically aircraft systems and structural components, including composites
• Experience creating Shop work instructions
• Familiarity with common aerospace hardware, such as connectors, relays, wire types, and structures
• Direct hands-on experience with tooling and build sequences
• Facilitation skills and the ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasks to align with business goals
• Experience with complex aerospace system development
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active US security clearance

Required Skills:

• Experience with manufacturing equipment, including machines, ovens, welding equipment, etc.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Skills:

• 3D CAD modeling experience with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
• LabVIEW
• Familiarity with configuration management systems, with Jira preferred
• Position is on-site in Mojave, CA
• Travel, as needed, to support the department; estimated travel is <5%

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Staff Level ($152,500–$200,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 10–20 years of engineering experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s):

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

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.