Test Operations Engineer

As an Operations Engineer, you will accept a critical role in achieving new milestones in aviation and enable development of high-speed test vehicles to be air-launched from Stratolaunch Carrier Aircraft. You will provide effective leadership as the focal point for high-speed vehicle operations planning and execution, to include the potential to act as the liaison to the Test Director for vehicle and mission readiness. You should have experience in test vehicle configuration control, test planning and resourcing, and conducting disciplined, effective developmental flight test operations, or similar experience in a technically demanding high pace environment. 

As a key member of the Stratolaunch team, you will have an essential role in meeting our ambitious company objectives. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from initial airworthiness to operational use at a company that believes in giving our team members the authority and responsibility to succeed. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the implementation of test strategy and objectives, test plans, test procedures, and mission cards for ground and flight testing for high-speed test vehicles.
• Coordinate closely with vehicle engineering team to identify system safety and operational concerns
• Interface with multiple engineers, vehicle crew chiefs and ground support personnel to ensure operational priorities are understood and executed
• Provide organization and preparation in support of Test & Flight Readiness Reviews
• Identify test hazards and develop / implement real time mitigation actions
• Support Talon vehicle maintenance & test teams to fulfil operational necessities 
• Control on-vehicle priorities and schedules to meet final assembly, test, and flight readiness requirements
• Work closely with the respective vehicle Crew Chiefs to ensure proper vehicle configuration and maintenance is complete to support mission priorities
• Assist with functional system test planning and execution in areas such as avionics, flight control actuation, recovery systems, propulsion integration and propulsion system demonstration activities
• Work with Carrier Aircraft operations teams to ensure successful vehicle mating and integrated systems testing is accomplished
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment while assisting as point of contact for first responders. Act as mission manager for operations in case of an incident.
• Support execution of integrated vehicle ground test activities
• Contribute to high-speed vehicle test data gathering and ensure test results are appropriately reviewed, documented, and controlled
• Provide inputs to refine and mature the high-speed vehicle Concept of Operations including ground and flight operational procedures, timelines, checklists, and emergency response actions, starting from vehicle post manufacture initial testing through recovery of vehicles and return to flight ready state
• Participate in payload customer meetings, including meetings for payload integration/de-integration planning, integrated vehicle testing and data product delivery
• Facilitate payload hardware and software integration and integrated test on high-speed test vehicles
• Assist in evaluation of risks and risk mitigation plans to determine if the risks are appropriate and risk mitigations are adequate
• Travel, as needed, to support design, mission planning, mission execution, and other tasks
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and initiative to fulfill commitments

• Develop concept of operations for all launch and recovery locations. This includes coordination among many different teams and external parties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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:

• Proven technical aerospace leadership experience, including supervision and training in a technical operations environment with a focus on execution readiness. 
• Aptitude to analyze and prioritize tasks on their own initiative, and drive projects to completion, to fit within overall business goals
• Ability to lead a large team, make decisions, communicate requirements, and quickly adapt to changing priorities/real world conditions.
• Previous experience with new, experimental, or modified aircraft, launch vehicles or spacecraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control methods
• Experience with engineering, scheduling, and test data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of risk management or safety management systems.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically.
• US Citizenship / Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

• Critical thinking skills, and problem-solving attitude a must.

 

PREFERRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation.
• Professional Flight Test Course.
• Knowledge of launch vehicle or aircraft requirements verification and development of requirements.
• Understanding of launch vehicle, air-launch, or high-speed flight programs.
• Prior involvement with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures.
• Experience operating in a classified work environment or with classified hardware.
• Previous expeditor or production superintendent familiarity. 
• Existing TS/SCI Clearance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Senior Level ($117,000-$153,400): 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 
• Principal Level ($175,500-$230,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience 

 

Special remarks regarding work environment:

• This position is located in Mojave, CA
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <20%
• #LI-Onsite