Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Vehicle

Posted 7/7/2026 · 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 a high-impact technical leader for hypersonic air vehicle programs. This position will be the top technical authority and conscience on their development program. This position is trusted to lead people, to develop and execute technical strategies for open-ended problems, manage risk, and to communicate successfully with internal and external customers. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player with significant experience across aerospace platforms, possessing a breadth of technical expertise across aircraft systems, aircraft certification, store certification, maintenance, and operations.    ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:   Partner with Program Director/Managers and support functions to achieve successful customer program execution   Experience acting as a program integrator/prime contractor    Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines to include: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls and aero-thermodynamics   Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution    Support test planning and execution as required (ground and flight)   Support business proposals and planning    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   Effectively collaborate across the enterprise in support of business objectives and program execution   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills   Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader and experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical performance considerations when making decisions   Demonstrated proficiency as a front-line manager of technical employees   Experience maintaining, modifying, or testing aerospace platforms   Experience recruiting and hiring engineers   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   Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals   US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer of development programs   Experience with hypersonic and supersonic vehicle development   Experience supporting defense contracts and working on classified programs    Hypersonic/high-speed tactical missile experience highly desirable (e.g. multi-stage systems, hot structure airframes, launch platform integration)   Experience with rocket propulsion systems   Active TS/SCI security clearance   Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter   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-$237,300): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience Sr. Principal-Level ($k): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 25+ years of relevant 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) :  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

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