Flight Termination System Engineer Verified today
About Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+ using reusable, air-launched Talon testbeds. These cost-effective platforms provide routine access to the hypersonic environment and deliver flight data to validate system performance and accelerate technology deployment for national security.
The Role
We seek a Level II, Senior, or Staff-level Avionics Engineer with expertise in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS) to support technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft. You will design, integrate, and test FTS and AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324 standards, working with range safety personnel on review and approval of FTS documentation.
What You Will Do
- Support development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of FTS and AFSS
- Collaborate with range safety to review and approve FTS and AFSS documentation
- Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop
- Contribute to flight test planning for integrated carrier aircraft, pylon, and hypersonic vehicle missions
- Develop FTS and AFSS technical requirements with range safety personnel
- Coordinate range testing efforts
- Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development
- Evaluate risks and develop risk mitigation plans
- Provide weekly and monthly updates to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS Program Manager
- Integrate complex aerospace systems
Required Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience in electrical engineering, aircraft integration, or launch vehicle integration
- Experience with FTS and/or AFSS components: receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators
- Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware
- Experience tailoring RCC-319 and RCC-324 requirements
- Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing
- Experience with technical aerospace leadership and sub-contractor management
- Experience with test planning and execution
- Experience with risk management
- Ability to communicate technical challenges to varied audiences
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to align with business goals
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance
Required Computer Skills
- Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
- Knowledge of debris catalogs and breakup analysis
- Experience developing environmental test specifications
- Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
- Engineering with computing languages and tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
- Experience with government agencies
- Experience with air-launch programs
- Experience with aircraft prototype development, including Engineering definition release and work instructions
- Current security clearance
Education and Experience
- Level II: Bachelor's degree from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, or equivalent. Salary $101,000-$146,500.
- Senior Level: Bachelor's degree from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, or equivalent. Salary $120,500-$158,000.
- Staff Level: Bachelor's degree from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, or equivalent. Salary $157,000-$206,000.
Work Environment
Position based in Mojave, CA. Travel estimated at less than 10% as needed to support the department. This position may involve operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Benefits
- 9/80 work 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