Propulsion Engineer

Stratolaunch • Mojave, CA

21h • $120,500 - $262,000 • 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 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.

Requirements

• Experience with design, development, testing and operation of solid rocket motors.
• 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ballistics, thermal and/or combustion modelling, highly desirable.
• 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
• Computer Aided Design tools - NX (preferred), CATIA, or Solidworks
• Specification and/or Design of ground support equipment (GSE)

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

Benefits

• 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: Senior