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 an experienced technical leader to oversee its Engineering Test Service Centers. Engineering Test Service Centers provide vertically integrated capability and expertise across Materials and Processes (M&P), Environmental Testing (ET), and Propulsion Test (PT) in support of our hypersonic programs. The Service Center Manager will work across the business to ensure successful execution of our current program portfolio while also building capabilities to achieve future objectives. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, broad technical expertise related to engineering test, and deep technical expertise in at least one of the service center areas (M&P, ET, PT). The individual in this role will be accountable for all aspects of Engineering Service Center operation, including personnel, infrastructure, and budget management.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with specialty sub-leads (e.g. M&P lead, Environmental Test Lead, Propulsion Test Lead) to manage and lead personnel assigned to the service centers
- Develop and maintain capability roadmaps for Engineering Services and lead the realization of those capabilities (e.g. M&P test lab, Environmental test, personnel )
- Manage overhead, CAPEX, and IRAD budgets
- Support programs and other stakeholders as a technical subject matter expert (e.g. non-advocate technical reviewer, peer reviewer, proposal writing) in areas of technical expertise
- Collaborate with program technical leaders to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints and effectively manage risk in areas of technical expertise
- Root cause analysis: Lead failure analysis investigations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to conduct non-conformance reviews for production issues. Identify root cause and define corrective actions to prevent future failures.
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:
- In-depth expertise and experience in at least one technical specialty of relevance: Materials and Processes, Environmental Test, or Propulsion Test
- Expertise in engineering test design and execution best practices
- Experience working in an engineering test facility and/or laboratory setting
- Demonstrated ability as a technical leader and people manager
- Hiring and personnel management experience
- Experience managing budgets and leading capital improvement projects
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences
- Familiarity with relevant industry and military standards (e.g., MMPDS, ASTM, MIL-STD-810) and regulatory specifications
- Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended engineering problems
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance
Required Computer Skills:
- CAD
- MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Engineering systems test experience (development, design verification, acceptance, and qualification testing)
- Working knowledge of systems engineering principles and best practices, especially relating to requirements verification through test
- Data acquisition and sensor expertise
- Experience owning and implementing technical roadmaps
- Experience proposing and leading IRAD projects
- Experience supporting aerospace manufacturing operations
- Experience supporting hypersonic development programs
- Experience with rocket propulsion systems
- Experience with thermal protection systems
- Expertise related to high-temperature materials
- Active DOD security clearance
- Manager ($157,000 - $206,000K): 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 ($180,900 - $237,200): 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
- Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.
- Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%
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
Top Skills
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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