Lead Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Vehicle Programs

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

401(k) match

Job summary

Stratolaunch seeks a Chief Engineer to serve as the top technical authority for hypersonic air vehicle programs. You will lead people, develop and execute technical strategies, manage risk, and communicate with internal and external customers.

You will balance disciplines—aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls, and aero‑thermodynamics—while guiding trade studies, staffing, and program integration to deliver aerospace innovations.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 10–20 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent mix of education and work.
• Proven track record as an engineering team leader and frontline manager of technical staff.
• Experience with aerospace platforms, testing, and program integration.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Program Director/Managers to ensure successful customer program execution.
• Act as program integrator and lead trade studies across aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, and controls.
• Lead risk management, quality execution, and customer communications.
• Support test planning and execution (ground and flight) and assist with business proposals and planning.
• Facilitate technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and staff development plans.
• Collaborate across the enterprise to align with business objectives.

Skills

Communication skills

Engineering leadership

Front-line management

Aerospace testing

Recruiting engineers

Customer interaction

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Security clearance eligibility

Education

BS in engineering

10–20 years experience

DOE/DoD aware

Tools

Siemens NX/Teamcenter

Job description

Stratolaunch seeks a Chief Engineer to serve as the top technical authority for hypersonic air vehicle programs. You will lead people, develop and execute technical strategies, manage risk, and communicate with internal and external customers.

You will balance disciplines—aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls, and aero‑thermodynamics—while guiding trade studies, staffing, and program integration to deliver aerospace innovations.