Carrier Aircraft Chief Engineer

Posted 6/25/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

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 Chief Engineer to be the technical owner of our growing fleet of launch platform aircraft, which includes the Spirit of Mojave, a 747-400, and Roc, the largest aircraft by wingspan in the world. In this role you will lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams to support modification, maintenance, and operation of our experimental test aircraft in support of air-launched hypersonic testing. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player with significant experience across experimental aircraft and air-launch platforms, possessing a breadth of technical expertise across aircraft systems, aircraft certification, store certification, maintenance, and operations. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Accountable for the technical data packages for Stratolaunch owned launch platforms, including technical baselines and change control. Partner with the Launch Platform Program Manager to ensure launch platform readiness for test operations and execute aircraft modification programs Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution within the Launch Platform service center Partner with internal hypersonic vehicle programs and external customers to execute store integration and certification efforts with Stratolaunch aircraft Partner with the Maintenance and Operations organizations to achieve experimental aircraft certifications Support test planning and execution as required (ground and flight) Support business proposals and planning for new launch platform programs Facilitate successful technical meetings and reviews such as Engineering Review Board phase-gate technical reviews. (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR) Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team Manage engineering staff dedicated to the Launch Platforms service center Effectively collaborate across the enterprise in support of business objectives and program execution 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: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills Demonstrated proficiency as a front-line manager of technical employees Experience maintaining, modifying, and testing experimental aircraft Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader and experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical performance considerations when making decisions Experience recruiting and hiring engineers Experience supporting defense contracts and working on classified programs Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended technical problems Strong Systems Engineering fundamentals Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals Familiarity with relevant components of the FAR (e.g. Part 21, Part 25) US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance Required Computer Skills: MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience integrating air-launched stores onto launch platforms Familiarity with common military store carriage devices and bomb racks (e.g. MAU-12) Expertise in MIL-STD and MIL-HDBK documents pertinent to store certification and store integration (e.g. MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-HDBK-1763) and experience with store certification efforts and authorities Experience working in matrixed organizations supporting multiple programs Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer overseeing development programs Experience and expertise in hypersonic flight vehicle design, development, and test Active DOD security clearance EDUCATION & 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 Principal Level ($181,000-$237,300): 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, if applicable Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates. Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10% #LI-AM1   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) :  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

This role is published by Stratolaunch on greenhouse. SwiftFit is not the employer and does not accept applications.