Principal Engineer (Manufacturing) - Mechanical

stratolaunch

Mojave, California, United States · Mojave · United States

Posted May 14, 2026

Other
On-site
Manufacturing

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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Engineer (Manufacturing) - Mechanical to support the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of one of our carrier or hypersonic vehicles structures and mechanical systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

Work Instructions - detailed documentation to be released to the electrical and production shop for manufacturing related information for production, testing or tooling.
- Ability to fully define a manufacturing process step-by-step
- Ability to identify design solutions, alternate part numbers, and fully integrate into Stratolaunch product/programs
- Ability to produce engineering documentation following industry standards (section views, detail views, flag notes, etc.)
- Process improvement documentation to establish production line standardization efforts
Experience with mechanical and mechanical system interface and integration
Mechanical manufacturing processes to define company practices and preferred manufacturing methods (shop)
- Aerospace industry standards implementation
- Desktop and shop aid documentation to support current workflows
Liaison engineering support in the electrical shop to provide technicians with sufficient support to complete the task on hand
- Explain mechanical manufacturing processes from Stratolaunch and aerospace industry standards
- Redline released engineering documentation
Source and support purchase activities for mechanical and system components from released engineering documentation and manufacturing related tasks for shop support (shop setup activities, tooling, etc.)
Evaluation of a broad range of technical data and interaction with different disciplines involved in the design, purchasing, manufacturing, integration, and testing of our vehicle(s)
Analyze and verify all the engineering requirements are met to estimate time of fabrication and producibility between the margins of cost and schedule

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead a team of 5-10 manufacturing engineer on various programs/projects to support Stratolaunch
Assign scope based on programmatic demand and appropriate skill set within the Manufacturing Engineering team
Ensure clear concise work instruction are provided to internal counterparts and that redline incorporation and standards are met
Manage work instructions for projects to fabricate, install, or modify mechanical systems and mechanical structures.
Create drawings and work instructions for tooling that supports the build phase of a production effort
Reference 3D CAD models and integrate into 2D environments
Support the shop by acting as the Manufacturing Engineering liaison to troubleshoot documentation issues and provide real-time support on the shop floor
Troubleshoot electrical and avionics ground test issues
Develop test plans and procedures, as required
Support hypersonic vehicle integrated testing, as required
Support mechanical and system design efforts, as required
Contribute to shop layout, set up and improvement efforts, as required
Regular and comprehensive communication to leadership
Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
Travel, as needed, to support the department
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, one or more of these disciplines: Mechanical engineering, systems, experimental aircraft, and/or launch vehicle integration
Experience with aerospace production documentation (drawings and work orders)
Experience with PDM systems and engineering control and revision control release processes
Experience integrating launch vehicle or aircraft payload mechanical systems and control systems
Experience with the creation of detailed shop work instructions
Familiarity with common aerospace hardware such as connectors, relays, wire types, and structures
Direct hands-on experience with aircraft electrical systems, payload installation, and industry best practices.
Facilitation skills and ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support or resolve concerns
Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals and various programs simultaneously
Complex fast paced aerospace system development
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

Security clearance

Required Skills:

Mechanical manufacturing build, test, and DFM
Lab equipment: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, AC/DC power supplies, signal generators
Familiarity with 3D CAD
MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Skills:

Siemens Capital/Mentor Graphics
3D CAD modeling experience – NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
LabVIEW
Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Principal ($161,000-$223,400): 20-25 years of experience plus B.S. degree in an Engineering or related field, or 25+ years of relevant experience in engineering discipline and ability to design, analyze, and/or test; Experience may be traded for subject matter expertise or significant technical and managerial leadership capabilities

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position on-site based in Mojave, CA

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):

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