Recovery Engineer - Naval Architect

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us. Description Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust recovery system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a Naval Architect supporting recovery operations, you will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and operating flight vehicle recovery assets. You will be responsible for all phases of the product lifecycle including architecture definition, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self‑direct, and learn on the fly. Responsibilities Provide engineering oversight across structural, mechanical, piping, HVAC and automation Interface directly with external vendors, regulatory bodies and classification societies (United States Coast Guard USCG, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), etc.) Review and approve technical drawings and test procedures Develop and manage technical specifications Support factory acceptance testing of all applicable equipment Provide technical direction for operations personnel Develop portside real property strategy including sourcing options for mooring, dry docking, and staging Coordinate across multi-discipline engineering and operations across Florida and Washington Develop an innate understanding of the Nova launch vehicle and ensure recovery systems enable rapid return-to-launch Qualifications 5+ years of experience in maritime engineering, shipyard refits, or offshore operations Bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or similar fields. Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (naval architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, fluids, and/or software) Experience working directly with IACS surveyors Experience with the Design Basis Agreement process with the USCG associated with novel vessel designs Familiarity with flag state of vessels, including registration, licensing, documentation, inspections requirements, safety regulations, and maritime regulations. Proven hands‑on experience building, operating, or troubleshooting complex systems in a marine environment Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real timeAbility to prioritize and execute Excellent written and verbal communication Ability to lead and follow Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL Willing and able to travel and work in various environments (indoor, outdoor, & marine environments) Willingness and ability to travel, including internationally, and TDY (Temporary Duty) from days to weeks offshore Ability to pass USSF background check for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Ability to hold and maintain a TWIC card Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of experience in a related role engineering, building, and/or operating high-performing systems in the maritime industry Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 range requirements as well as DoD explosive siting for launch vehicle programs Experience working with U.S. Coast Guard and Port Authorities Master’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or similar field Benefits Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full‑time employees. Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance Company‑paid life and disability insurance 401(k) plan with employer match 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off Holidays – 10 days (including an end‑of‑year closure) Paid Family/Parental Leave On‑site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) Dog friendly offices! Compensation Target Levels: Level3 Range: $129,150-$193,620 Level4 Range: $151,305-$252,105 Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per‑candidate basis. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level. ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8U.S.C.1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Opportunity The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and TitleVII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I‑9 at the start of employment and re‑verify authorization to work periodically. Separate from this I‑9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job. Candidate Rights & Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request. For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here. E‑Verify Stoke Space uses E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. #J-18808-Ljbffr