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Payload Systems Engineer, Mechanical and Materials Integration

StratolaunchMojave, CAApril 9th, 2026
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 ($117,000-$153,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience Staff Level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering 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