Manufacturing Engineer - Reliability

Stoke Space; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 129,150 - 193,620; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits program

401(k) plan with employer match

4 weeks’ Paid Time Off

On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend

Dog-friendly offices

Job summary

Stoke Space is seeking a Manufacturing Development Engineer to lead the quality thesis development and implementation in an innovative launch vehicle factory. This role is pivotal for enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness of space transportation.

You will be responsible for defining AS9100 certification processes and coordinating with the MES software development team. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering along with relevant aerospace experience.

Join us in a mission-driven, collaborative environment that values innovation in the space economy!

Qualifications

• Ensure AS9100 certification and hardware reliability metrics are maintained.
• Develop capabilities to improve lead time and reliability of the launch vehicle.
• Quantify manufacturing risks and their impact on vehicle performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop capabilities in the factory to improve product reliability.
• Own and implement work execution tools and processes.
• Lead AS9100 certification and redefine its industry standards.

Skills

Intimate knowledge of aerospace and engineering standards (AS9100 experience preferred)

Experience with detailed mechanical design including machined parts, metal additive parts, weldments, fasteners, and complex assemblies

Experience with safety-critical systems and methods for analyzing risk

Strong communicator, ability to lead by influence across disciplines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar

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.

Description

We are seeking a Manufacturing Development Engineer to own the development and implementation of the quality thesis in a cutting‑edge launch vehicle factory. This is an opportunity to redefine AS9100 implementation and hardware reliability metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop capabilities in the factory that improve lead time and reliability of the launch vehicle product
• Quantify risk at the intersection of manufacturing process and vehicle performance
• Own and implement work execution tools and processes (not work instruction powerpoints), in partnership with our MES software development team
• Own the AS9100 certification process – an opportunity to redefine what this looks like in the industry

The Stoke factory is going to be an ever‑evolving product, developing the latest manufacturing technology and techniques while supporting continuous improvement of both processes and launch vehicles. Reliability of hardware is critical to Stoke’s success, and this role will serve as a critical partner in vehicle development.

Qualifications

• \"Knows the rules well enough to break the rules\" – intimate knowledge of aerospace and engineering standards (AS9100 experience preferred)
• Experience with detailed mechanical design including machined parts, metal additive parts, weldments, fasteners, and complex assemblies
• Experience with safety‑critical systems, methods for analyzing and quantifying risk, or failure investigation
• Strong communicator, ability to lead by influence across disciplines and experience levels
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar

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

• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620
• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

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.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the \"Know Your Rights\" notice here.

E-Verify

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