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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA

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., Staff, or Principal-level Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to develop a new hypersonic vehicle launch system. This position will focus on architecture modification, design implementation, completion, integration, and testing of the data system in multiple test ranges. 

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Contribute to instrumentation, network, & telemetry (data) system requirements development, architecture design, testing, & operation for local and extended range missions.
  • Support flight operations by ensuring data system assets are prepared for flight test.
  • Support the selection of and harness design for new sensors, data acquisition units, computers, network switches, and other equipment.
  • Manage and configure the aircraft instrumentation system to provide real time data for mission monitoring as well as logged data for post-flight analysis
  • Support the development and maintenance of software tools as required, including configuration management, simulation, deployment, and analysis tools.
  • Determine, document, and manage subsystem requirements for each new configuration
  • Develop and support instrumentation, network, & telemetry tests as required.
  • Support integration testing such as power checks, sensor calibration, and equipment checkout
  • Collaborate with design engineers, network engineers, and technicians as required to accomplish goals.
  • Prepare data system material to present at design reviews and flight readiness reviews and in post operation reviews.
  • Travel, as needed, to support the company.
  • 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:

  • Experience in Instrumentation, Telemetry, or Network engineering in an operational or regulated test environment.
  • Experience with Ethernet networking and familiarity with TCP, UDP, multicasting, etc.
  • Experience with integrating data acquisition instrumentation (Analog, discrete, and digital protocols such as ARINC 429, etc) from distributed systems with mission control software.
  • Knowledgeable with RF devices such as transmitters, receivers, encoders/decoders, or similar
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and dataloggers
  • Experience writing system requirements
  • Excellent written & verbal communication
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Flight test program instrumentation system experience
  • Experience designing & manufacturing aircraft harnesses
  • Aircraft and/or launch vehicle development experience
  • Experience with configuring and monitoring RF telemetry components for end-to-end testing (encode, transmit, receive, decode)
  • Knowledge of IRIG 106 CH4, Ch 10, CH 7 or other telemetry standards
  • Hands-on aircraft build, piloting, and flight test experience
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA or Doors
  • Mission Control Room console experience
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

  • Expertise with at least one programming language, including but not limited to C/C++/C#, Python
  • Familiarity with continuous integration toolchains such as Jenkins or Bamboo
  • Experience with source control systems such as git
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Visio)

Preferred Computer Skills:

  • Experience with IADS
  • Experience with relational, document and time-series databases
  • Experience with Curtiss-Wright or Safran Data Acquisition Units
  • Experience with continuous integration toolchains such as Jenkins or Bamboo
  • Experience using UEI programmable automation controllers
  • Experience with NI LabVIEW and NI DAQmx

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Level II ($81,000-$118,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr Level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff Level ($128,500-$186,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Principal Level ($161,000-$233,500): 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, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA. An on-site work arrangement is strongly preferred. Hybrid work arrangements (minimum onsite presence of 50%) may be considered for highly-qualified candidates.
  • Travel estimated to be <15% in support of the program

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AM1

#Avionics

 

Benefits and our location:

  • Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA
  • 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 the IRS annual limit
  • Tuition reimbursement

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts. 

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.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role- 

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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