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Structural/Mechanical Engineer

Stratolaunch · Mojave, CA1mo agoverified 20 h ago
$101k – $158k

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (326 that show pay).

Design and analyze composite aerospace structures for an air-launched hypersonic test vehicle

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own structural design of an air-launched hypersonic vehicle, from CAD to composite tooling to flight hardware.

Might not be for you. Structural design role, not materials R&D — composites are the medium, not the research subject. Requires ability to obtain a security clearance.

Mostly desk workDeep specialist BS acceptableSenior hires only

Adjacent materials roleExperience with composite part fabrication and manufacturing methods; composite tooling methods; bonded and wet tied composite structures

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
2–10 yrs
Industry
Aerospace
Role
R&D / Research
Schedule
Compressed 9/80
Clearance
Ability to obtain
Materials
Benefits
50% 401(k) match up to $11,500tuition reimbursementpaid maternity and parental leave

Role details

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 or Sr. (level III) Structural or Mechanical Engineer to support the development of an air-launched hypersonic flight vehicle development program. This position will include conceptualizing components, sizing and analyzing components, generating CAD model parts and assemblies, creating margin reports, detailed design, and supporting the manufacturing effort. In addition, this position will support the Talon-A structures lead with team guidance and mentorship.

You are responsible for contributing to the vehicle’s structural technical performance, including meeting design and mission requirements, resolving technical challenges, and implementing technology upgrades that improve the competitive basis of the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle architecture.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Participate in aerospace structural design efforts
  • Perform detailed design of various structural components, leading to release of engineering work orders
  • Size and analyze components to meet program structural requirements, including writing margin reports
  • Design various secondary/support structure for mounting components
  • Select material systems and construction techniques that meet project objectives
  • 3D CAD model parts and assemblies
  • Work with engineering technicians and the shop to fabricate and assemble your designs
  • Resolve technical challenges as they arise for Talon-A and its integration with the carrier aircraft
  • Support Talon-A Structures Lead with team guidance and mentorship
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to project leads
  • Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
  • Travel, as needed, to support the company
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Qualifications & Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to analyze your designs using hand calculations and FEM
  • Experience with 3D CAD modeling of parts and assemblies
  • Experience with composite part fabrication and manufacturing methods
  • Experience with composite tooling methods
  • Experience with aerospace fasteners and specs
  • Experience with drafting and GD&T
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
  • Ability to take direction, work relatively independently, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with aerospace-grade hardware and mechanical design best practices
  • Experience with ground test hardware, including releasing engineering definition and developing work instructions
  • Experience with bonded and wet tied composite structures
  • Experience with FEMAP, Nastran
  • Experience with generating loads
  • Experience with metallic design and manufacturing
  • Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution
  • Experience with static structural testing
  • Active security clearance

Required Computer Skills

  • Computer Aided Design tools – NX, CATIA or Solidworks
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Computer Skills

  • Configuration management systems -- Jira

Education & Experience

  • Lvl II ($101,079-$146,500) - Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Lvl Sr. ($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

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position based in Mojave, CA

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be

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) :

  • 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

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

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Structural/Mechanical Engineer role at Stratolaunch?

The listed annual base salary range is $101K–$158K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Structural/Mechanical Engineer role at Stratolaunch based?

This role is based in Mojave, CA.

What degree is required for the Structural/Mechanical Engineer role at Stratolaunch?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 2 years, BS + 5 years.

How many years of experience does this Structural/Mechanical Engineer role require?

The posting calls for 2–10 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Structural/Mechanical Engineer role work with?

composites.

What techniques or methods are required for this Structural/Mechanical Engineer role?

hand calculations, FEM.