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 Sr., Staff, or Principal Flight Termination System (FTS) Engineer to own continued development of the Talon-A hypersonic aircraft FTS.  This position will also lead the efforts to integrate and test the FTS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various FTS documents. You will contribute to and own parts of new FTS development efforts for future vehicles to include AFSS. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration.  This position will include evaluation of a broad range of technical data.  Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.  

   

   

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES   

  • Lead the development, implementation, and subsystem level testing of the FTS
  • Coordinate with range safety to review and approve FTS documentation
  • Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
  • Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS requirements
  • Contribute to coordination of range testing
  • Support design reviews throughout vehicle development
  • Contribute to other RF system design, test, and integration
  • Evaluate risks and risk mitigation plans to determine if the risks are appropriate and risk mitigations are adequate
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Talon-A Chief Engineer & Avionics Chief Engineer on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Management of small Talon-A FTS team of direct reports (1:1s, reviews, etc.)
  • Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

   

REQUIRED  

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines:  mechanical design and engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
  • Experience with FTS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
  • Experience tailoring range safety requirements in RCC-319 and RCC-324
  • Experience with environmental testing such as thermal cycling, random vibration, & pyro-shock
  • Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing
  • Knowledge of environmental testing standards such as MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, DO-160, NASA-HDBK-7005
  • Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis
  • Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
  • Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
  • Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors
  • Experience with test planning and execution
  • Experience with risk management
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

   

PREFERRED  

  • Experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS)
  • Experience developing environmental test specifications
  • Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
  • Engineering computing languages & tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
  • Experience with government agencies
  • Experience with air-launch programs
  • Security clearance

   

REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS  

  • Engineering software tools (Matlab or equivalent)
  • Computer Aided Design tools  (CATIA, Solidworks, NX, or equivalent)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

   

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE   

  • Sr Level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff Level ($128,000-$186,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Principal Level ($160,000-$233,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

   

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable  

  • Location: Based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for partial remote/on-site work (hybrid) with an expectation of being on-site 50-75%.
  • Travel estimated to be <5%

#hypersonicprogram

#avionics  

#LI-CK1 

Benefits and our location:

  • Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA
  • 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 the IRS annual limit
  • Tuition reimbursement

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts. 

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.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role- 

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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