Flight Test Engineer

Stratolaunch, LLC; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Stratolaunch, LLC is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to enable development and successful flight testing of hypersonic aircraft systems, including Roc carrier aircraft and Talon testbeds. You will lead in the mission control room as Test Conductor and oversee flight test readiness, procedures, and safety compliance.

You should have extensive aerospace testing experience and be capable of leading a small agile team through complex, high-stakes flight campaigns.

Qualifications

• Technical aerospace experience and disciplined test leadership.
• Ability to analyze, prioritize tasks, and drive projects to completion.
• Proven experience leading flight test programs and teams.
• Experience with launch vehicles, aircraft, or spacecraft testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor during flight tests.
• Coordinate range, airspace, and support resources for missions.
• Develop procedures for expanded mission control operations and launch tests.
• Mentor junior team members and ensure safety and readiness reviews.
• Communicate test requirements with vehicle engineering and program schedules.

Skills

Aerospace engineering experience

Leadership in test operations

Strong communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Flight Test Engineer graduate from test pilot school

Tools

MATLAB

IADS

Job description

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.

As a Flight Test Engineer, you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a Test Conductor, or other lead position, during flight test and air-launch test missions. You will have an active leadership role in developing test plans and schedules, mission procedure documentation, and compliance with approved launch license procedures. You should possess considerable experience in conducting and leading disciplined, effective developmental flight test, or similar experience in a technically demanding environment. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from initial flight to operational use, at a company that believes in giving our team members the authority and responsibility to succeed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during experimental flight test of the Roc carrier aircraft and/or the Talon hypersonic vehicle testbeds.
• Lead the Mission Operations team assigned to a flight or series of flight as the main liaison to program management personnel.
• Responsible for safe and effective conduct of ground and flight test missions, and engineering support from the mission control room.
• Develop depth of engineering and system knowledge to enable rapid decision-making and task prioritization.
• Lead test or flight readiness reviews prior to test plan execution.
• Coordinate range, airspace, and support resources in support of flight test missions.
• Develop and document procedures for expanded mission control room operations, to support air-launch test missions with multiple aircraft and separate control elements. Develop and document procedures covering all aspects of test mission execution for the integrated launch system.
• Support development of test strategy and objectives, test plans and mission cards for ground and inflight testing and identify test hazards and develop mitigation actions.
• Coordinate closely with vehicle engineering teams to define test and data requirements and help identify system safety or operational concerns.
• Manage and communicate test-specific vehicle limitations and flight readiness review actions.
• Coordinate on-vehicle test requirements with overall manufacturing and program schedules.
• Mentor less experienced personnel in proper flight test planning and execution.
• Assess readiness of mission control room discipline engineers and support functions.
• Travel, as needed, to support mission planning, launch approval meetings, and other tasks.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and initiative to fulfill commitments.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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

• Technical aerospace experience, including training in a technical discipline.
• Ability to analyze and prioritize tasks on their own initiative, and drive projects to completion, to fit within overall business goals.
• Ability to lead a small team, make decisions, communicate requirements, and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Previous experience with new, experimental, or modified aircraft, launch vehicles or spacecraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control methods.
• Experience with engineering and test data analysis tools such as IADS and MATLAB.
• Knowledge of risk management or safety management systems.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading flight test programs.
• Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

HIGHLY DESIRED

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation
• Flight Test Engineer graduate of a recognized test pilot school long course
• Experience as a Test Conductor for a developmental test program
• Experience as a Flight Test Engineer or control room engineer on an active test program
• Experience with launch vehicle or aircraft requirements verification
• Experience with launch vehicle, air-launch, or high-spe