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Flight Termination System (FTS) Compliance 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 Staff or Principal-level Flight Termination System (FTS) Compliance Engineer to own continued regulatory compliance efforts of air-launched hypersonic aircraft FTS. This position will also lead the efforts to tailor RCC-319-19, RCC-324, and ensure final approval of the FTS by range safety and other approval authorities. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in communicating with government agencies regarding FTS compliance and regulatory requirements. They must be skilled at effectively negotiating and tailoring these requirements to align with project goals while ensuring full adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Excellent interpersonal and regulatory navigation abilities are essential to successfully manage agency interactions and approvals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the compliance and regulatory efforts for the FTS
  • Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS requirements
  • Coordinate with range safety to review and approve FTS documentation
  • Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
  • Contribute to coordination of range testing
  • Support design reviews throughout vehicle development
  • Evaluate risks and risk mitigation plans to determine if the risks are appropriate and risk mitigations are adequate
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Program Chief Engineer & Avionics Chief Engineer on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Management of small FTS Compliance team of direct reports (1:1s, reviews, etc.)
  • Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department
  • 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:  aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
  • Proven experience liaising with government agencies on FTS compliance and regulatory matters
  • Strong ability to negotiate and tailor regulatory requirements to meet program objectives
  • Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with regulatory bodies and stakeholders
  • Extensive experience with regulatory standards RCC-319-19 and RCC-324-11
  • Experience interpreting and applying RCC-319-19 and RCC-324-11 guidelines to ensure system compliance
  • Knowledge of FTS hardware functionality (receivers, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
  • Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors
  • Familiarity with environmental testing such as thermal, random vibration, and shock.
  • Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis
  • Experience with test planning and execution
  • Experience with risk management
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

 

Required Computer Skills:

  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS)
  • Experience developing environmental test specifications
  • Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
  • Engineering computing languages & tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
  • Experience with air-launch programs
  • Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
  • Security clearance

EDUCATION & 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 20-25 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Special remarks regarding work environment:

  • Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid or remote work arrangement for well-qualified candidates.
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%
  • #avionics
  • #hypersonicprogram
  • #LI-WG1

Benefits and our location(s): 

  • 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 $11,500
  • 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.

 

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.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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