Propulsion Engineer

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 262,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) company match

Job summary

Stratolaunch in Mojave, CA seeks a Propulsion Engineer to lead SRM development and integration for hypersonic flight. You will serve as SRM Responsible Engineer, collaborating with suppliers through design, testing, vehicle integration and flight operations.

The role requires aerospace systems integration experience, strong data analysis, and the ability to communicate across teams. Travel 15–30% is expected; base location Mojave, CA.

Qualifications

• Experience with design, development, testing and operation of solid rocket motors.
• Experience with ballistics, thermal and/or combustion modelling is highly desirable.
• Experience with supplier management and providing technical oversight for a larger team.
• Knowledge of solid rocket motor manufacturing processes such as composite case winding and propellant mixing, pouring, and casting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate post-test data results.
• Ability to communicate technical challenges to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage requirements and interfaces throughout design, development, testing, vehicle assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), and flight operations of the SRM.
• Provide oversight of SRM supplier activities and progress to ensure requirements are met.
• Conduct weekly meetings and coordinate technical reviews with the SRM supplier.
• Travel to supplier facilities for on-site observation of manufacturing and test operations.
• Conduct post-test data analyses and interpretation of results with the SRM supplier.
• Develop system performance models to support GN&C.
• Conduct ballistics & thermal analyses to verify supplier efforts.
• Specify requirements for, and support the design of, ground support equipment (GSE).
• Coordinate SRM deliveries, receiving and inspection.
• Travel to test ranges to support SRM installation and flight test operations.
• Communicate with the propulsion lead on progress and findings.

Skills

Solid rocket motors

Ballistics modelling

Supplier management

GSE design

Python

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

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.

To achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to help lead the development and integration of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) systems for hypersonic flight applications. This position will serve as the SRM Responsible Engineer (RE), working closely with the SRM supplier through design, development, testing, vehicle integration and flight operations. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage requirements and interfaces throughout the design, development, testing, vehicle assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), and flight operations of the Solid Rocket Motor (SRM)
• Provide oversight of SRM supplier activities and progress to ensure requirements are met
• Conduct weekly meetings and coordinate technical reviews with the SRM supplier
• Travel as required to supplier facilities for on-site observation of, and participation in, key manufacturing processes and test operations
• Conduct post-test data analyses & interpretation of results in cooperation with the SRM supplier
• Develop system performance models in support of guidance, navigation & control (GN&C)
• Conduct ballistics & thermal analyses to verify and corroborate supplier efforts
• Specify requirements for, and support the design of, ground support equipment (GSE)
• Coordinate SRM deliveries, receiving and inspection
• Travel as required to test range to support SRM installation and flight test operations
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the hypersonic vehicle propulsion lead
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments

Qualification & Skills

Required Qualifications

• Experience with design, development, testing and operation of solid rocket motors.
• Experience with ballistics, thermal and/or combustion modelling, highly desirable.
• Experience with supplier management, providing technical insight/oversight for the larger team
• Knowledge of solid rocket motor manufacturing processes such as composite case winding and propellant mixing, pouring, and casting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate post-test data results.
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on their own initiative
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
• Solid Performance Program (SPP) and/or Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)
• Scientific Coding: Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C/C++, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting rocket motor sizing and configuration trade studies in support of vehicle concept development
• Experience with aerospace-grade hardware, mechanical design best practices, and ASME y14.5
• Familiarity with explosives handling and classification
• Experience with ground test hardware, including releasing engineering definition and developing work instructions
• Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution

Preferred Skills

• Computer Aided Design tools - NX (preferred), CATIA, or Solidworks
• Specification and/or Design of ground support equipment (GSE)

Education & Experience

• Senior-level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Principal-level ($181,000-$262,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, OR significant relevant experience for this role

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Travel estimated to be between 15-30%
• Position is based in Mojave, CA

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 and our location(s)

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

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

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight‑seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

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, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Is The Law

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf