Mechanical Engineer, Technical Lead
Stratolaunch · Mojave, California, United States · Hybrid
Posted Jul 7, 2026
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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 Sr. or Staff level Structural or Mechanical Engineer to lead continued development and improvements for the small fleet of air-launched, Talon-A hypersonic flight vehicle systems. This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, integrate, and test vehicle and payload system improvements to meet customer requirements and need. An ideal candidate has prototype development or small scale-production experience, with a focus in thermal-structural-mechanical design, leading to first flights.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Work hand-in-hand with the program responsible engineers, Payload Lead, and Talon-A Chief Engineer
Lead a diverse integrated product team (IPT) of mechanical engineers, structural engineers, structural analysts, dynamics analysts, and manufacturing engineers
Support structural development of the hypersonic vehicle system improvements and integration of payloads, including trade studies and structural layout
Responsible for making technical decisions for the structures subsystem
Lead the successful execution of structural design reviews to advance the program vehicles through manufacturing and flight test
Lead structural systems engineering approach, which may include: creating and dispositioning structural requirements, mass properties management, guiding the configuration management of models, reviewing and approving documents/reports/analyses, setting engineering and design best practices and standards for the structures team, waiving or approving ground testing based on structural technical risk assessments, etc.
Regular and comprehensive communication to program Chief Engineer
Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
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: structures, loads, structural-thermal analysis, mechanical systems, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration
Experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles
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