Payload Systems Engineer

stratolaunch

Mojave, California, United States · Mojave · United States

Posted Dec 16, 2025

Other
On-site
Engineering

Job description

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 a Sr- or Staff-level Systems Engineer to oversee and support the Talon-A air-launched, hypersonic vehicle payloads mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration. An ideal candidate will have experience in vehicle integration and test, ideally with structural and/or materials focus. This role involves interfacing with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, program management, and payload customers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Overseeing and contributing to payload mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration
Collaborates with the payload’s integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads integration, test, and data collection activities
Requirements development and tracking
Ensures vehicle payloads are tested in a manner to meet customer requirements
Participates in test planning, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test execution, vehicle troubleshooting and post-test data reviews
Architects and optimizes data review methodology, as well as data review and data analysis tools
Sets standards for test planning and documentation and ensure those standards are met
Coordinates internally with multi-disciplinary team and externally with customers
Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATION & 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 direct experience with, at least two of these disciplines (listed in order of priority): Systems Engineering, Mechanical Systems, Materials, Electrical and Avionics Systems, Propulsion Systems, GNC and Flight Controls, and Aerodynamics
Experience contributing to the systems engineering content for a major technical review such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review or Critical Design Review
Previous systems engineering experience
Previous technical experience with Mechanical, Structural, and/or Materials Engineering
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
Excellent written & verbal communication
Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Required Skills

MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
Familiarity with CAD (Solidworks preferred)
Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Jira
Familiarity with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in small, dynamic engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities
Familiarity with structures, avionics, instrumentation, software, fluid systems, and/or liquid rockets (listed in order of priority)
Experience maintaining aerospace industry standards for vehicle configuration and changes
Experience with air-launched hypersonic vehicle development
Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation
Experience defining, managing, and verifying requirements for hypersonic vehicles with hot-structure airframes
Current DOD Secret security clearance

Preferred Skills

Experience programming (Matlab, Python)
Experience with CAD (Solidworks preferred)
Experience with configuration management systems such as Jira
Experience with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Sr-level ($120,500-158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

This position is located in Mojave, CA.
Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program

#LI-onsite

#LI-AM1

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):

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