Launch Engineer - Ground Operations

At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.

A thriving economy in space is needed to make life on earth more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable. Stoke was founded to build the systems that enable that outcome through a seamlessly connected earth and space.

Description

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space.  A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system.  As a launch operations engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and operating new launch systems from scratch and serving as the primary launch ground controller for ground test and orbital launch campaigns.  You will be responsible for all phases of the product lifecycle including architecture definition, engineering, procedures, integration, commissioning, operations, and on-console control.  As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles.  You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. 

Responsibilities

• On-console control of launch ground systems

• Own launch readiness, day-of launch console operations, and test & launch campaigns for ground systems

• Serve as main point of contact for anomaly investigations and own anomaly response and closure for ground systems

• Develop, maintain, and execute procedures, control logic, and automation sequencing for ground systems

• Develop and implement test plans and procedures, complete data reviews, and oversee launch readiness reviews for launch site operations

• Perform real time and post operation data reviews for the ground systems

• Work closely with vehicle software team, and help architect launch automation

• Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines, including headquarters and test, inclusive of software and hardware, to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, integrate and operate high cadence flight hardware

• Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including launch control center

• Continuously improve launch control room operations and functions to enable high-cadence launch and recovery operations

• Provide engineering expertise, oversite, and hands-on support during day-to-day site operations

• Serve as on-console support for day-to-day launch pad operations

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field.

• 5+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).

• Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (thermodynamics, fluids, software, electrical, and/or structures)

• Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time.

• Ability to architect launch automation logic & sequencing and an understanding of software state machine applications

• Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to Stoke HQ and Moses Lake Test Site to help ensure seamless Cape Launch Site operations

• Ability to prioritize and execute

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field

• 10+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).

• Experience working hazardous operations including operations with high pressure gas systems, cryogenic liquid systems, high power systems, and/or explosive ordnance

• Experience performing hazardous analyses for cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems

• Experience working test and operations of systems involving integration of software, electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems

• Experience with data acquisition and control systems and sensing elements (pressure, temperature, accelerometers, load cells, infrared, optical, strain gauges, flow meters, etc)

• Proficient with Python programming language is desirable

• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710, MSPSP, and HazOp range requirements as well as DoD explosive siting for launch vehicle programs

• Experience working with 45th SW, 30th SW, and/or NASA and other government agencies

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 

• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Company-paid life and disability insurance 

• 401(k) plan with employer match 

• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off  

• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 

• Paid Family/Parental Leave  

• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 

• Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 3: $123,000 - $184,400

• Level 4: $144,100 - $240,100

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity 

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status.  It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII.   It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. 

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company.  Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations.  Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.