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.
Stratolaunch is seeking a high-impact, team-oriented leader to manage the Systems Engineering, Integration & Test Section. In this role, you will report directly to the Engineering Department Manager at Stratolaunch, working as a trusted team member along with all other Section Managers, as we grow the Engineering team and its capabilities to support the business. You will manage and develop the engineering talent responsible for systems engineering, system integration (e.g. payloads, vehicle test) and systems test. An ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, relevant technical expertise, experience managing technical teams and a passion for people.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES- Support direct reports and programs through technical guidance and peer review in area(s) of expertise
- Collaborate with senior technical leaders to establish and enforce technical best practices and standards
- Support Department Manager with employee development and retention initiatives
- Partner with Department Manager, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition across the hiring workflow to identify qualified candidates, establish strong interview teams, and hire engineering talent in alignment with strategic program goals
- Lead performance management and development efforts for direct reports in partnership with the Department Manager and Human Resources
- Support direct reports in complying with applicable policies and procedures (e.g. timekeeping, employee handbook, etc.)
- Partner with programs and Department Manager to meet tactical staffing needs and resolve resource conflicts
- Support Department Manager in developing and executing strategic staffing initiatives
- Support proposal efforts as required
- NOTE: The Section Manager role is not fully indirect. Employees in this role must be able to balance overhead management effort with tasking that is chargeable to programs or other support functions. (e.g. Bid & Proposal, or IR&D)
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:
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrated success as an individual technical contributor and/or technical team leader
- Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
- Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
- Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance to the Section
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance
Required Computer Skills:
- MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in matrixed organizations and staffing technical personnel across multiple programs
- Experience leading and managing small-to-medium sized technical teams (10+) in resource constrained environments (e.g. aerospace development programs)
- Active DOD security clearance
- Manager ($157K-$206K): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Sr. Manager ($181K-$237K): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 15+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable
- Work location is dependent on multiple factors, including the business needs of the specific role and the geographic distribution of the employees to be manage
- Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%
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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
Skills Required
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrated success as an individual technical contributor and/or technical team leader
- Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
- Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills
- Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance
- US Citizen with ability to obtain DOD clearance
- Experience working in matrixed organizations
- Experience leading small-to-medium sized technical teams in aerospace
- Active DOD security clearance
Stratolaunch Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Stratolaunch and has not been reviewed or approved by Stratolaunch.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Fair & Transparent Compensation: Pay is considered competitive for many roles, with posted ranges for engineers and specialized hourly positions that indicate robust bands. Public self-reported packages also point to strong totals for some technical titles.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare Strength: Coverage includes multiple PPO/HMO options with HSA/HRA support and employer seeding, plus a monthly health-club reimbursement. These elements indicate comprehensive medical choices accompanied by meaningful wellness perks.
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Retirement Support — Retirement Support: A 401(k) program offers a company match up to an annual cap with a two‑year vesting schedule. This structure stands out as a meaningful long‑term savings benefit.
Stratolaunch Insights
What We Do
Stratolaunch LLC designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to fulfill several important national needs, including the need to significantly advance U.S. hypersonic flight test capabilities and help improve the nation’s ability to design and operate cutting edge hypersonic vehicles. Our hypersonic testbeds will provide customizable, reusable, and affordable access to the Mach 5+ flight regime. We are delivering the world’s premiere hypersonic flight test services.
Why Work With Us
We offer customers the ability to perform risk reduction via affordable and routine flight test for their critical technologies. We offer an operationally realistic environment, enabling us to test in the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes. With our reusable and low-cost system, customers can rapidly iterate the design of their t
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