Mechanical Engineer, Technical Lead

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking a subject matter expert in mechanical systems to join the Technical Staff in Engineering. Members of the Technical Staff at Stratolaunch are the company’s foremost functional area experts, providing company-level technical leadership as they solve today’s execution problems and develop innovative solutions for the future. The successful candidate will have demonstrated technical leadership capability and a track record of applying deep technical expertise in aerospace structures, mechanical design, kinematics, material selection, and structural analysis methods, as well as familiarity with engineering drawings, aerospace manufacturing methods, FEA analysis, and test data interpretation, to solve practical engineering problems.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide company-level technical discipline leadership in technical review, technical mentorship, mechanical problem-solving, and conceptual design

• Provide formal and casual collaborative review at all stages of mechanical design for new and ongoing mechanical design activities

• Provide mentorship at multiple levels across the mechanical design group, with a focus on junior colleagues

• Enable world-class engineering through the creation of technical standards, best practices, and common toolchains in domain(s) of expertise

• Support program execution by leading teams through and/or participating in high-impact problem solutions (e.g., failure review boards, RCCA, tiger teams)

• Develop and maintain engineering capability roadmaps and lead the realization of those capabilities

• Propose and lead internal research and development projects to generate intellectual property and enable future business success

• Support white papers, proposals, and other front-end-of-the-business efforts

• Support recruiting and hiring activities

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth experience in the following:

  • Aerospace structures

  • Mechanical design

  • Kinematics

  • Material selection methods

  • Engineering drawings and documentation

  • Structural analysis methods

  • Aerospace manufacturing methods

  • Test planning and test data interpretation

• Demonstrated ability as a technical leader

• Demonstrated ability to apply technical expertise to solve high-impact problems

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences

• Familiarity with relevant industry and military standards and regulatory specifications

• Experience proposing and leading IRAD projects

• Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multidisciplinary, open-ended engineering problems

• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals

• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a DOW security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or Fusion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles and best practices, especially relating to requirements verification through test

• Experience owning and implementing technical roadmaps

• Experience supporting hypersonic vehicle development programs culminating in flight testing

• Active DOW security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Principal ($174,300–$219,500): Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (graduate degree preferred) in a related discipline from an accredited institution and 15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Senior Principal ($193,100–$256,200): Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (graduate degree preferred) in a related discipline from an accredited institution and 20+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Remarks Regarding Work Environment, if Applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work arrangements for well-qualified candidates may be provided.

• 9/80 schedule

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.

• 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   :