Propulsion Deputy Lead Engineer (Sr./Staff/Principal)

About the Role Stratolaunch is seeking a Propulsion Deputy Lead engineer (Sr./Staff/Principal) to oversee design, integration, testing, and operations of the Talon-A propulsion systems. The role requires both mechanical and fluid subsystem design experience and leadership to coordinate across teams. The position is onsite in Mojave, CA with growth potential into broader technical leadership. What You'll Do

• Contribute to the development, build, test, and operations of propulsion flight and ground hardware
• Perform structural, fluid, and thermal analysis of mechanical components and/or assemblies
• Develop and document test requirements, plans, procedures, and reports
• Create component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware
• Assist mechanics in integrating all components and assemblies onto the aircraft and/or ground systems
• Test propulsion components and/or assemblies to prepare for integrated subsystem testing
• Develop engineering tools, as needed, to complete tasking
• Maintain inventory tracking of critical propulsion components
• Manage supplier relations with key vendors
• Technical ownership of clean rooms
• Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning
• Track vehicle propulsion configuration
• Review and release drawings, work instructions, analysis reports, etc.
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Propulsion Lead
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments What We're Looking For
• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more disciplines: fluid subsystem design, mechanical design, component or assembly level mechanical or fluid testing, structural engineering, rocket testing, cryogenic fluid systems, electrical and/or instrumentation experience
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Experience with fluid-mechanical component design and stress analysis
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling of parts and assemblies
• Experience with propulsion ground testing
• Experience with component-level or subsystem level test planning and execution
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems
• Ability to work on their own initiative
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (per role requirements)
• Education/Experience: BS in engineering with 5-10 years for Sr-level, 10-20 years for Staff-level, 20+ years for Principal-level, or equivalent
• Technical leadership experience (preferred)
• Personnel management experience (preferred)
• Experience creating engineering drawings and work instructions (preferred)
• Experience with liquid oxygen systems (preferred)
• Liquid rocket engine testing experience (preferred)
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (preferred)
• Computer skills: CAD tools, MS Office; SolidWorks; MATLAB or Python, Simulink/Simscape
• Data acquisition systems familiarity: Curtiss-Wright DAS Studio (preferred)
• Configuration management familiarity: Jira (preferred) Nice to Have
• Technical leadership experience
• Personnel management experience
• Experience with liquid oxygen systems
• Liquid rocket engine testing experience
• Jira and Curtiss-Wright DAS Studio familiarity (preferred) Compensation & Benefits
• Salary ranges by level: Sr ($120,500-$158,000), Staff ($157,000-$206,000), Principal ($181,000-$237,000) per year
• 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