Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

50% company match on 401(k) up to $11,500

Job summary

Stratolaunch is seeking a Mechanical Design Section Manager in Mojave, California. This role entails leading engineering teams to ensure form, fit, and function for both ground and flight mechanical systems. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and experience managing teams in high-impact environments. The position will include various responsibilities from staffing to technical guidance and may involve minimal travel. Benefits include paid parental leave and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching.

Qualifications

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees.
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support direct reports through technical guidance.
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders to establish standards.
• Lead performance management and development efforts.

Skills

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Analytical Thinking

Technical Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related discipline

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

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.

Stratolaunch is seeking a high‑impact, team‑oriented leader to manage the Mechanical Design Section. In this role, you will report directly to the Engineering Department Manager, work with other Section Managers, and lead the engineering talent responsible for form, fit and function of ground and flight mechanical systems. An ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, relevant technical expertise, experience managing technical teams and a passion for people.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support direct reports and programs through technical guidance and peer review in area(s) of expertise
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders to establish and enforce technical best practices and standards
• Support Department Manager with employee development and retention initiatives
• Partner with Department Manager, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition across the hiring workflow to identify qualified candidates, establish strong interview teams, and hire engineering talent in alignment with strategic program goals
• Lead performance management and development efforts for direct reports in partnership with the Department Manager and Human Resources
• Support direct reports in complying with applicable policies and procedures (e.g. timekeeping, employee handbook, etc.)
• Partner with programs and Department Manager to meet tactical staffing needs and resolve resource conflicts
• Support Department Manager in developing and executing strategic staffing initiatives
• Support proposal efforts as required
• NOTE: The Section Manager role is not fully indirect. Employees in this role must be able to balance overhead management effort with tasking that is chargeable to programs or other support functions. (e.g. Bid & Proposal, or IR&D)

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility 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 Qualifications:

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated success as an individual technical contributor and/or technical team leader
• Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
• Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi‑disciplinary, open‑ended problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
• Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance to the Section
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in matrixed organizations and staffing technical personnel across multiple programs
• Experience leading and managing small‑to‑medium sized technical teams (10+) in resource‑constrained environments (e.g. aerospace development programs)
• Active DOD security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Manager (157k‑206k): Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in a related discipline and 10+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr. Manager (181k‑237k): Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in a related discipline and 15+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL

• Work location is dependent on multiple factors, including the business needs of the specific role and the geographic distribution of the employees to be managed
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%

Base salary and leveling are established on a case‑by‑case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

BENEFITS

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale, approximately 95 miles north of Los Angeles.

EEO STATEMENT

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, US citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.