Principal Engineer (Manufacturing) - Mechanical

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 Principal Engineer (Manufacturing) - Mechanical to support the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of one of our carrier or hypersonic vehicles structures and mechanical systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

• Work Instructions - detailed documentation to be released to the electrical and production shop for manufacturing related information for production, testing or tooling.
  • Ability to fully define a manufacturing process step-by-step
  • Ability to identify design solutions, alternate part numbers, and fully integrate into Stratolaunch product/programs
  • Ability to produce engineering documentation following industry standards (section views, detail views, flag notes, etc.)
  • Process improvement documentation to establish production line standardization efforts
• Experience with mechanical and mechanical system interface and integration
• Mechanical manufacturing processes to define company practices and preferred manufacturing methods (shop)
  • Aerospace industry standards implementation
  • Desktop and shop aid documentation to support current workflows
• Liaison engineering support in the electrical shop to provide technicians with sufficient support to complete the task on hand
  • Explain mechanical manufacturing processes from Stratolaunch and aerospace industry standards
  • Redline released engineering documentation
• Source and support purchase activities for mechanical and system components from released engineering documentation and manufacturing related tasks for shop support (shop setup activities, tooling, etc.)
• Evaluation of a broad range of technical data and interaction with different disciplines involved in the design, purchasing, manufacturing, integration, and testing of our vehicle(s)
• Analyze and verify all the engineering requirements are met to estimate time of fabrication and producibility between the margins of cost and schedule

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of 5-10 manufacturing engineer on various programs/projects to support Stratolaunch
• Assign scope based on programmatic demand and appropriate skill set within the Manufacturing Engineering team
• Ensure clear concise work instruction are provided to internal counterparts and that redline incorporation and standards are met
• Manage work instructions for projects to fabricate, install, or modify mechanical systems and mechanical structures.
• Create drawings and work instructions for tooling that supports the build phase of a production effort
• Reference 3D CAD models and integrate into 2D environments
• Support the shop by acting as the Manufacturing Engineering liaison to troubleshoot documentation issues and provide real-time support on the shop floor
• Troubleshoot electrical and avionics ground test issues
• Develop test plans and procedures, as required
• Support hypersonic vehicle integrated testing, as required
• Support mechanical and system design efforts, as required
• Contribute to shop layout, set up and improvement efforts, as required
• 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, 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: Mechanical engineering, systems, experimental aircraft, and/or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with aerospace production documentation (drawings and work orders)
• Experience with PDM systems and engineering control and revision control release processes
• Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft payload mechanical systems and control systems
• Experience with the creation of detailed shop work instructions
• Familiarity with common aerospace hardware such as connectors, relays, wire types, and structures
• Direct hands-on experience with aircraft electrical systems, payload installation, and industry best practices.
• Facilitation skills and 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 tasking to fit within the business goals and various programs simultaneously
• Complex fast paced aerospace system development
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Security clearance

Required Skills:

• Mechanical manufacturing build, test, and DFM
• Lab equipment: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, AC/DC power supplies, signal generators
• Familiarity with 3D CAD
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Skills:

• Siemens Capital/Mentor Graphics
• 3D CAD modeling experience – NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
• LabVIEW
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Principal ($161,000-$223,400): 20-25 years of experience plus B.S. degree in an Engineering or related field, or 25+ years of relevant experience in engineering discipline and ability to design, analyze, and/or test; Experience may be traded for subject matter expertise or significant technical and managerial leadership capabilities

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%

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.

• 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 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :