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Lead Manufacturing 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

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 Manufacturing Engineer to lead the fabrication and assembly of a small-scale production hypersonic vehicle development program.  This position requires leading a multi-disciplined group of engineers to design, build, and test vehicles with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system-level decisions to meet customer requirements. The individual operating in this capacity will lead all aspects of the vehicle manufacturing assembly-line, to include: optimizing the manufacturing line flow, recommending manufacturing investments, designing fixtures and jigs for vehicle assembly, leading vehicle nonconformance root-cause analyses, 3D CAD modeling, designing manufacturing shop aids, supporting subsystems integration planning, etc. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead an integrated, cross-discipline team to manufacture multiple hypersonic vehicles
  • Own the manufacturing sequence for each vehicle, collaborating with the Manufacturing and Program Management teams, to meet programs goals
  • Participate in the planning process by providing manufacturing schedule inputs to Program Management
  • Recommend long-term manufacturing investments to Program Management to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce touch labor
  • Ensure the manufacturing of each vehicle meets all engineering requirements
  • Work with design engineers to make vehicle improvements that benefit program schedule and cost
  • Manage vendors and internal team to procure manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures
  • Lead the root-cause analysis of manufacturing nonconformances, and the engineering disposition of those nonconformances
  • Provides technical guidance to help resolve non-conformances, corrective actions, and rework
  • Provides technical guidance to manufacturing operations
  • Lead the design of tools, fixtures, and jigs to support the assembly of metallic structure
  • Lead the design of manufacturing shop aids to improve manufacturing efficiency
  • Generate work instructions, drawings, laser projection files, and templates for the shop using 3D CAD software
  • Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the program Airframe Team Lead
  • Preparing for and presenting at design reviews
  • Management of a small team of direct reports (1:1s, reviews, etc.)
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans
  • 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

  • Extensive knowledge of, and/or experience with: design of assembly fixtures and jigs, laser metrology, composite part fabrication tooling methods, GD&T, design of drill jigs
  • Experience designing and producing manufacturing documentation
  • 3D CAD modeling experience
  • Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Management experience
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Excellent written & verbal communication 
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Required Skills

  • Computer Aided Design tools (Siemens NX & Teamcenter preferred)
  • Configuration management systems (JIRA preferred)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Vendor management experience
  • Lean manufacturing experience
  • Management experience

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with materials and fabrication processes of Hypersonic Vehicles such as Inconel, Titanium, Bismaleimide (BMI) composites, and Thermal Protection Systems (TPS).

EDUCATION & 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 ($128,000-$186,000): 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

  • Position is based in Mojave, CA
  • Position requires significant interaction on the shop floor with Manufacturing and Quality Assurance teams
  • Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program

#LI-Onsite

#Manufacturing

#hypersonicprogram

 

 

 

Benefits and our location(s): 

  • Relocation eligible to local area – Our Locations
  • 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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