Flight Termination System Engineer

Stratolaunch • Mojave, CA

5d • $101,000 - $206,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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 help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Avionics Engineer with emphasis in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) to support continued technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft. This position will also support the efforts to design, integrate, and test the FTS and AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various FTS documents. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.

Requirements

• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with FTS and/or AFSS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
• Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware
• Experience working with and tailoring RCC-319 & RCC-324 requirements
• Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing
• Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors
• Experience with test planning and execution
• Experience with risk management
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance
• Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
• Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis
• Experience developing environmental test specifications
• Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
• Engineering with computing languages & tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
• Experience with government agencies
• Experience with air-launch programs
• Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
• Security clearance

Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of the FTS and AFSS
• Collaborate with range safety to review and approve FTS and AFSS documentation
• Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop
• Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
• Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS and AFSS technical requirements
• Contribute to coordination of range testing
• Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development
• Evaluate and determine risks and risk mitigation plans
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Benefits

• 9/80 schedule
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees