About this role
About the Role Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Engineer (Manufacturing) - Mechanical to support the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of carrier or hypersonic vehicle structures and mechanical systems. You will lead manufacturing engineering efforts to develop detailed work instructions, improve production processes, and ensure producibility across programs. What You'll Do
- Lead a team of 5-10 manufacturing engineers on various programs and projects.
- Define scope based on programmatic demand and align with the appropriate skill set within the Manufacturing Engineering team.
- Ensure clear, concise work instructions are provided to internal counterparts with redline incorporation and standards.
- Manage work instructions for projects to fabricate, install, or modify mechanical systems and structures, and create tooling drawings and instructions to support builds.
- Reference 3D CAD models and integrate into 2D drawings and documentation.
- Support the shop as Manufacturing Engineering liaison to troubleshoot documentation issues and provide real-time floor support.
- Troubleshoot electrical and avionics ground test issues; develop test plans and procedures as required.
- Support hypersonic vehicle integrated testing and mechanical/system design efforts as requested.
- Contribute to shop layout, setup, and continuous improvement; communicate with leadership regularly; travel as needed.
- Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments. What We're Looking For
- Knowledge/experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace, experimental aircraft, and/or launch vehicle integration.
- Experience with aerospace production documentation (drawings and work orders) and with PDM systems and revision control.
- Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft payload mechanical and control systems.
- Ability to create detailed shop work instructions and familiarity with aerospace hardware (connectors, relays, wires, structures).
- Direct hands-on experience with aircraft electrical systems, payload installation, and industry best practices.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills to explain challenges and guide diverse audiences; able to work independently and prioritize across multiple programs.
- Experience with complex, fast-paced aerospace system development and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Nice to Have
- Security clearance (preferred).
- Siemens Capital/Mentor Graphics 3D CAD modeling experience (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks).
- LabVIEW.
- Jira (configuration management).
- Familiarity with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, AC/DC power supplies, and signal generators. Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: USD 161,000 – 223,400 per year.
- Benefits details not specified in posting.