Flight Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Flight Test Engineer in Mojave, CA. This role focuses on leading flight testing of hypersonic aircraft systems and requires extensive technical expertise in aerospace. Ideal candidates will have a solid educational background in engineering and demonstrated ability to lead test programs effectively.

Benefits

9/80 schedule

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Technical aerospace experience required.
• Experience leading flight test programs is valuable.
• Ability to analyze and prioritize tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead test missions in the mission control room.
• Develop test plans and coordinate resources for flight tests.
• Mentor less experienced personnel in flight test procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Risk Management

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

IADS

MATLAB

Job description

On-site

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-speed flight programs
• Experience with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures
• Experience operating in a classified work environment or with classified hardware

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr. Level ($117,000-$153,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Principal Level ($175,500-$230,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• This position is located in Mojave, CA.
• Travel estimated to be approximately 5%
• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-WG1

Benefits and our location(s):

• 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

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.

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

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