Structural/Mechanical Engineer

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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II or Sr. (level III) Structural or Mechanical Engineer to support the development of an air-launched hypersonic flight vehicle development program. This position will include conceptualizing components, sizing and analyzing components, generating CAD model parts and assemblies, creating margin reports, detailed design, and supporting the manufacturing effort. In addition, this position will support the Talon-A structures lead with team guidance and mentorship. You are responsible for contributing to the vehicle’s structural technical performance, including meeting design and mission requirements, resolving technical challenges, and implementing technology upgrades that improve the competitive basis of the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle architecture.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in aerospace structural design efforts

Perform detailed design of various structural components, leading to release of engineering work orders

Size and analyze components to meet program structural requirements, including writing margin reports

Design various secondary/support structure for mounting components

Select material systems and construction techniques that meet project objectives

3D CAD model parts and assemblies

Work with engineering technicians and the shop to fabricate and assemble your designs

Resolve technical challenges as they arise for Talon-A and its integration with the carrier aircraft

Support Talon-A Structures Lead with team guidance and mentorship

Regular and comprehensive communication to project leads

Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems

Travel, as needed, to support the company

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:

Ability to analyze your designs using hand calculations and FEM

Experience with 3D CAD modeling of parts and assemblies

Experience with composite part fabrication and manufacturing methods

Experience with composite tooling methods

Experience with aerospace fasteners and specs

Experience with drafting and GD&T

Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns

Ability to take direction, work relatively independently, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals

Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with aerospace-grade hardware and mechanical design best practices

Experience with ground test hardware, including releasing engineering definition and developing work instructions

Experience with bonded and wet tied composite structures

Experience with FEMAP, Nastran

Experience with generating loads

Experience with metallic design and manufacturing

Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution

Experience with static structural testing

Active security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

Computer Aided Design tools – NX, CATIA or Solidworks

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Computer Skills:

Configuration management systems -- Jira

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Lvl II ($94,100-$119,300) - Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Lvl Sr. ($113,300-$144,405) - Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position based in Mojave, CA

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be 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.

Benefits and our location(s) :

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 :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf