Flight Sciences Engineer

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 Flight Sciences Engineer to support the conceptual design and aerodynamic analyses of hypersonic vehicles. Candidates must have a strong foundation in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, including stability and control, aerodynamic model development, flight simulation, computation fluid dynamics (CFD), and/or relevant wind tunnel testing. Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic, is highly desired.

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design trade studies, detailed design and analysis tasks, development of analytical tools to support the team, and flight test support of currently operating vehicles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization on current and future vehicles

Contribute to development of aerodynamic databases using analytical, numerical, ground and flight test data

Perform analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate the aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control of hypersonic vehicles

Develop aerodynamic models for a variety of hypersonic vehicle configurations

Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses

Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required

Develop advanced design tools, as required

Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry

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:

Knowledge of, and experience with aerodynamics, performance, stability & control, and atmospheric aerospace vehicle design

Experience with subsonic, transonic, or supersonic theory and analyses

Ability to self-start, work with urgency, and on their own initiative, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals

Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis

Experience with hypersonic vehicle development and/or test

Experience with supersonic vehicle development and/or test

Experience building aerodynamics models for complex aerospace vehicles

Experience with trajectory shaping and optimization

Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles

Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Active security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

Scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Computer Skills:

Experience with CFD analysis tools – preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, Link3D, StarCCM, Kestrel

Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools

Experience with trajectory optimization analysis tools

Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

Familiarity with revision control of software – Git (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Level 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

Sr-Level ($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

While Stratolaunch is headquartered in Mojave, CA, this position offers flexibility in work location. Remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements are all available based on candidate preference and business needs.

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%.

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) :

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