Test Ops Manager - Nova Stage 1 & 2

Stoke Space • Moses Lake, WA

2d • $129,150 - $252,105 • Onsite

About The Position

Stoke is building Nova, a fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle designed for daily flight. The Test Ops Manager will manage the team that builds and operates vehicle test facilities at the Moses Lake Test Site, supporting both vehicle component testing and integrated vehicle testing. The role is responsible for safe, reliable test operations while helping the team move quickly and simplify processes. It also provides feedback to inform vehicle design and support high-cadence operations.

The position works across hardware and software, mechanical systems, and electrical systems. It combines team management with hands-on design, construction, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of test systems. The manager will also oversee project schedules and budgets, develop sustainable engineering processes, and contribute to everyday tasks needed to keep the site running. The role requires outdoor work, navigating a large test site, and willingness to relocate to Moses Lake, Washington.

Requirements

• Exceptional command of fundamentals.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a similar field.
• At least 5 years of experience with rocket test operations, including on-console engineering support.
• At least 2 years of experience as a team lead or people manager.
• Experience designing fluid systems, including P&ID creation, line sizing and component specification, hazard analysis, and CAD modeling.
• Hands-on experience building and integrating mechanical and electronic systems.
• Experience writing and operating test procedures.
• Experience writing and running automation for ground and vehicle systems.
• Experience with high-pressure or hazardous environments.
• Experience with real-time and post-test data analysis.
• Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting mechanical fluid components such as cryogenic and high-pressure valves, pressure regulators, pumps, and relief valves.
• Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, silicon diodes, flow meters, high-speed pressure sensors, and accelerometers.
• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods.
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Passion for building something with high quality; a positive and humble attitude; and willingness to take ownership of large and small tasks to help the team succeed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to relocate to Moses Lake, WA.
• Comfort navigating a large, spread-out test site via personal vehicle or on foot.

Responsibilities

• Manage and/or personally execute the design and build of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications.
• Manage and/or personally execute the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications.
• Create sustainable engineering processes.
• Manage project schedules.
• Manage project budgets.
• Ensure high uptime and reliability of the test stands.
• Ensure safe operation of high-pressure, cryogenic, and other hazardous environments.
• Perform people-management responsibilities, including regular check-ins, mentorship and coaching, providing feedback, and performance reviews.
• Perform everyday tasks to keep the site running, including shipping and receiving and administrative tasks.

Benefits

• Equity in the form of stock options for regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• 4 weeks’ paid time off.
• 11 holidays, including an end-of-year closure.
• Paid family/parental leave.
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend, depending on location.
• Dog-friendly offices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager