Fluids Engineering Manager - Nova Stage 1 & 2

Voiceflow; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid Time Off

Paid Family/Parental Leave

On-site gym or wellness stipend

Dog friendly offices

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Kent seeks a Stage Fluids Manager to oversee the design and operations of fluids systems for their rocket vehicle. This role involves guiding engineers through complex challenges, from initial design to flight operations. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in rocket fluids systems, solid leadership capabilities, and be ready for hands-on problem-solving. The position offers comprehensive benefits, equity options, and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design, build, and/or testing of rocket fluids systems.
• 1+ years of experience leading a team of engineers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with relevant analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical roadmap for stage fluids design.
• Lead the execution of fluids designs from concept through release.
• Hire, grow, and mentor a team of fluids engineers.
• Provide technical coaching in various engineering areas.

Skills

Rocket fluids systems design

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Thermodynamics

P&ID understanding

Analysis tools proficiency

Fabrication and assembly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Python

REFPROP

Excel

Matlab

Job description

At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.

We are seeking a Stage Fluids Manager to lead the design, development, and operations of fluids systems for Nova’s first and second stages. This is a highly impactful role where you will guide a team of engineers through complex technical challenges, from early conceptual design, through manufacturing, integration, testing, and ultimately through flight operations. The qualified candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys working hands‑on, and consistently applies first‑principles and system‑level thinking to solve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical roadmap for stage fluids design on current and future vehicles
• Lead the execution of fluids designs from concept through release, build, testing, and vehicle‑level operations
• Hire, grow, and mentor a team of fluids engineers
• Provide technical coaching in areas such as structures, fluids, thermodynamics, and rocket operations
• Maintain a culture of integrity, reliability, and fast iteration

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design, build, and/or testing of rocket fluids systems, rocket engines, and valves
• 1+ years of experience leading a team of engineers
• Project management experience including developing budgets and schedules, and managing resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• A proven ability to mentor and coach
• Mastery of fundamentals, including compressible flow, thermodynamics, structures, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Proficiency with understanding and maintaining revision‑controlled P&ID’s
• Proficiency with relevant analysis tools (ANSYS, Python, REFPROP, Excel, Matlab, or equivalent)
• Hands on experience performing fabrication and assembly of components
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
• Willing to relocate to Seattle, WA

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full‑time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end‑of‑year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On‑site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 3 Range: $123,000 - $184,400
• Level 4 Range: $144,100 - $240,100

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per‑candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re‑verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.