Mechanical Engineer

Overview 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. Position Summary We are seeking a Senior, Staff, or Principal‑level Mechanical Engineer to support the airframe team in developing an air‑launched hypersonic flight vehicle. This role requires working within a multi‑disciplined group of engineers to design, build, integrate, and test vehicles to meet customer structural requirements. An ideal candidate has significant prototype development experience, focusing on thermal‑structural‑mechanical design and build, leading to first flights. Essential Responsibilities Contribute to a diverse team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers Contribute to structural development of the hypersonic vehicle, including trade studies and structural layout Responsible for contributing to final technical decisions for the structures subsystem Support the successful execution of structural design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight test Contribute to structural systems engineering approach, including creating and dispositioning structural requirements, mass properties management, guiding the configuration management of models, reviewing and approving documents/reports/analyses, setting engineering and design best practices and standards for the structures team, waiving or approving ground testing based on structural technical risk assessments, etc. Work hand‑in‑hand with the program responsible engineers and Chief Engineer to lead the program to a successful outcome Regular and comprehensive communication to program Airframe Lead 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. Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: mechanical design, structures, mechanical systems, structural‑thermal analysis, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life‑cycle involvement on at least one program Experience with metallic structures design, analysis, and manufacturing Experience with technical aerospace work, including working with vendors Experience with risk management and critical path workflow Experience working in small engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities Excellent written & verbal communication Ability to create and review engineering drawings per AMSE Y14.5 Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities Preferred qualifications: Experience with hands‑on fabrication in an aerospace environment Experience transitioning prototype programs into Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Experience with Design for Manufacturability & Assembly (DFMA) improvement effort Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development Experience with air‑launched vehicle development Experience with composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing Active S, TS, and/or SCI security clearance Required computer skills: 3D CAD experience (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred) MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook) Configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc. Preferred computer skills: Experience with FEMAP, Nastran Education & Experience Level II ($98,000-$142,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Senior-level ($117,000-$154,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Staff-level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Principal-level ($175,000-$230,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Location & Work Environment Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on‑site work) arrangement with at least 75‑80% on‑site time weekly. Travel required as needed, estimated at Benefits 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 Employment Information This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties. Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. 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: 217 #J-18808-Ljbffr 6AM City, LLC