Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller

Stoke Space; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits including health insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

4 weeks Paid Time Off

On-site gym or wellness stipend

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in New York is seeking an experienced Launch Engineer – Vehicle Controller. This pivotal role focuses on launch automation and vehicle systems for their Nova vehicle. The candidate will develop operational concepts and streamline processes, requiring expertise in aerospace propulsion and software engineering. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including stock options and comprehensive healthcare. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible for specific authorizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations or launch systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills in high-stakes environments.
• Excellent communication skills for multidisciplinary interactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine automation and software for launch operations.
• Ensure software supports integrated vehicle testing.
• Drive continuous improvement of launch day processes.

Skills

Software Engineering

Aerospace Propulsion Systems

Telemetry Analysis

High-Pressure Fluid Systems

Real-Time Decision Making

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Mission Control Software

Job description

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

We are seeking an experienced Launch Engineer – Vehicle Controller with a focus on launch automation, launch vehicle systems, and software for our Nova launch vehicle. In this critical role, you will develop launch day concept of operations, automation systems, coordinate with engineering teams, and ensure a seamless transition from ground operations through launch, flight, and handoff to orbital or recovery operations. This role will be well served by someone who is an expert in software engineering AND aerospace propulsion systems including tanks and structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine automation and software to support test and mission operations and streamline test and launch day processes.
• Work closely with Vehicle RE’s to ensure that software is enabling test and launch operations for the integrated vehicle.
• Operate and build systems that monitor telemetry from the Nova launch vehicle and assess real‑time launch commit criteria.
• Work with Kent, Moses Lake and Launch Site teams to streamline integrated vehicle testing as a continuation into Launch Site processing and Launch Operations.
• Aggregate and synthesize engineering inputs from subject matter experts to enable and inform critical decision‑making.
• Collaborate closely with Mission Operations Engineering, advising on launch sequence adjustments and anomaly resolution when needed.
• Drive the continuous improvement of launch day CONOPS to increase operational efficiency and mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Experience in vehicle automation, telemetry analysis, and operational command and control.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting high‑pressure fluid systems or cryogenic systems.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or avionics systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, especially in high‑stakes, real‑time environments.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Expertise in reusable launch systems.
• Familiarity with mission control software and systems integration.
• Experience in developing launch commit criteria and real‑time response protocols.

Benefits

• Equity – We provide 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

• Level 3 range: $123,000 – $184,400
• Level 4 range: $144,100 – $240,100
• Level 5 range: $168,100 – $312,200

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.

E‑Verify

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