Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 120,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

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

Job summary

Stratolaunch is looking for a Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer in Mojave, California. You'll be responsible for supporting the design and integration of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles, as well as creating work instructions and evaluating technical data. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor’s in engineering and relevant experience. The role involves hands-on work with propulsion systems in a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and diversity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 0-2 years of engineering experience for Level I.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 2-5 years for Level II.
• 5-10 years of experience for Sr Level.

Responsibilities

• Support design, integration, testing of propulsion systems.
• Create work instructions for manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate technical data and analyze fabrication and producibility.

Skills

Knowledge of vehicle systems

Experience with Aerospace production documentation

Experience integrating launch vehicle electrical systems

Direct hands-on experience with propulsion systems

Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Lab equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters

Job description

Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer (ME) level I, II, or Sr – Supports design, integration, testing, and maintenance of one of our carrier or hypersonic vehicles electrical and avionics systems.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work Instructions, detailed documentation for manufacturing related information
• Experience with Propulsion Vehicle systems, system interface and integration
• Solid rocket motor (SRM) and hybrid rocket motor (HRM) experience
• Define manufacturing processes, identify alternate part numbers, produce engineering documentation
• Process improvement documentation to establish production line standardization efforts
• Support shop with engineering liaison, explain manufacturing processes, redline documentation
• Source and support purchase of propulsion components, tooling, shop setup activities
• Evaluate technical data across disciplines, analyze fabrication and producibility within cost and schedule margins
• Create work instructions to fabricate, install or modify propulsion systems
• Create drawings and work instructions for tooling that supports the build phase of a production effort
• Reference 3D CAD models and integrate into 2D environments
• Backup shop floor engineering liaison for documentation issues
• Troubleshoot propulsion mechanical systems and ground test integration
• Develop test plans and procedures for system functionality and ATP procedures
• Support hypersonic vehicle integrated testing
• Contribute to shop layout, setup and improvement efforts
• Regular communication to leadership
• Contribute to integration of complex aerospace systems
• Travel as needed, estimated <5% of the time
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Knowledge of vehicle systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrotechnical, flight controls for experimental aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with Aerospace production documentation and PDM systems
• Experience with engineering control and revision control release processes
• Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft electrical power systems
• Experience with creation of shop work instructions
• Familiarity with common aerospace hardware: connectors, relays, wire types, and structures
• Direct hands‑on experience with aircraft propulsion systems, installation and best practices
• Experience with solid rocket motors (SRM) and hybrid rocket motors (HRM)
• Facilitation skills and ability to communicate technical challenges to varied audiences
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks to fit within business goals
• Complex aerospace system development experience
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Security clearance

Required Skills

• Lab equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, AC/DC power supplies, signal generators
• Familiarity with 3D CAD
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Skills

• Siemens Capital/Mentor Graphics
• 3D CAD modeling – NX, CATIA, or Solidworks
• LabVIEW
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Level I ($83,000-$120,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 0-2 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Level II ($98,100-$128,700): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination
• Sr Level ($117,000-$153,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent
• Staff Level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position on‑site based in Mojave, CA. Travel, as needed, to support the department; travel estimated to be <5%.

Benefits

• Paid maternity and parental leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

Equal Employment Opportunity 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, U.S. citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.