Payload Mechanical Engineer

Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch

Other Engineering

Mojave, CA, USA

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

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 Level II or Senior Mechanical or Structural Design Engineer to lead the design, build, and integration of experimental customer payloads on the Talon-A hypersonic vehicles. This is a mechanical design engineering role, not a systems engineering position, with primary responsibility for

Required Qualifications

  • Proficient with 3D CAD modeling, assembly management, and PDM
  • Experience with other comparable CAD platforms as acceptable
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support 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
  • Excellent written & verbal communication
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Required Skills

  • Experience with NX or SolidWorks
  • Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calcs, FEMAP, Ansys, etc.)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Jira
  • Familiarity with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in small, dynamic engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience with Thermal Analysis

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with NX and Team Center
  • Experience with Thermal Analysis

  • Experience with configuration management systems such as Jira
  • Experience with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr-level ($120,500-158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid work arrangement with at least 75% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.
  • Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program

#LI-Onsite

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

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