Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy GSE Mechanisms

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a GSE Mechanisms Engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for development, build, test, and initial operations of Launch Pad Mechanisms to support launch for the Nova Vehicle. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right to support high cadence for Launch Operations.

Responsibilities

Design, fabricate, test, and support operations for mechanisms used for Launch Operations.

Work closely with REs, technicians, and vendors/contractors to plan, coordinate, and execute fabrication, preparation, testing, and installation of GSE at the Launch Site.

Collaborate with Nova Vehicle Engineers and Designers to establish requirements and interfaces.

Collaborate with other GSE disciplines for an integrated design, such as Hydraulic, Electrical, Controls, Fluids

Work closely with REs, technicians, and vendors/contractors to plan, coordinate, and execute fabrication, preparation, testing, and installation of GSE from tooling to pad systems.

Generate, execute, and maintain workflow documentation.

Qualifications

3+ years of experience designing, building, and testing large mechanisms

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or similar field.

Proficiency with NX/Teamcenter or similar 3D CAD and configuration control management software.

Proficiency with Ansys, Femap, or other FEM analysis tools.

Proficiency with designing for manufacturing and a solid understanding of machining, welding, GD&T, and other design-fabrication processes.

Familiarity with basics of hydraulics and pressurized systems.

Familiarity with mechanical industrial standards (ASME, AWS, etc.).

Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time.

Ability to prioritize and execute on short timelines

Excellent written and verbal communication

Ability to lead

Ability to follow

Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years of experience as an engineer at a launch site or a facility supporting launch hardware, or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications.

Experience with T-0 Release Devices

Proficiency with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and Space Force range requirements.

Experience with P&IDs and Hydraulic Schematics.

Benefits

Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all 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

Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)

Paid Family/Parental Leave

On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)

Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470

Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [email protected] . Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here .

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here .