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About the job

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STRATOLAUNCH HUNTSVILLE Help build the next chapter of hypersonic flight.

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 high-impact technical leader to be Chief Engineer to support a high-speed airbreathing strike missile development program called Chimera. This position will be the top technical authority and conscience for Stratolaunch program scope. In this role, you will be trusted to lead people, develop and execute technical strategies for open-ended problems, manage risk, and communicate successfully with internal and external customers. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated technical leader and team player with significant experience pertinent to air-launched missile system development and production.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner with prime contractor, Stratolaunch, and customer leadership to drive successful program execution

Apply Systems Engineering principles to control scope, manage risk, and drive quality technical execution

Facilitate successful technical meetings and reviews such as Engineering Review Board and technical gate reviews. (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR)

Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines to include: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, airframe, GNC, sensors and effectors

Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team

Support whitepapers, proposals and other business development activities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader with experience balancing cost, schedule, and technical performance considerations when making decisions

Experience acting as a system integrator

Experience leading a technical team through some aspect of missile system development

Technical subject matter expertise in at least one technical domain of relevance (aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, airframe, GNC, sensors and effectors), which sufficient breadth to lead a multi-disciplinary development team.

Ability to effectively manage relationship with key stakeholders, including government customers and Prime Contractor leadership

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

Experience supporting defense contracts

US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated success as a Chief Engineer on missile development programs

Hypersonic/high-speed tactical missile experience highly desirable (e.g. multi-stage systems, hot structure airframes, launch platform integration)

Experience with high-speed airbreathing propulsion systems

Experience with solid rocket motor propulsion systems

Experience transitioning developmental systems to production

Active TS/SCI security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Principal-Level ($175,000 - $213,600): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Principal-Level ($200,000 - $243,700): 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:

This position is located in Huntsville, AL.

Applicants must be a US Person able to obtain a security clearance to be considered for this role.

Travel estimated to be 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.

Huntsville, Alabama, known as the Rocket City, combines a thriving aerospace and defense community with the affordability, outdoor access, and quality of life of the Tennessee Valley. Home to Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of aerospace, defense, and technology organizations, Huntsville has played a major role in America’s space and defense programs for generations—and continues to be at the center of what comes next.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville offers plenty to explore. Monte Sano State Park sits just minutes from downtown and features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails overlooking the Tennessee Valley. The nearby Tennessee River provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities, while the region’s parks, greenways, and foothills make it easy to get outdoors year-round.

Prefer city life? Downtown Huntsville offers a growing mix of restaurants, breweries, live music, arts, sports, and entertainment. Catch a concert at the Orion Amphitheater, explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, or spend an evening at Toyota Field cheering on the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the region’s aptly named Minor League Baseball team. You can also explore the shops and restaurants at MidCity and Bridge Street or experience Huntsville’s growing arts scene. For a weekend getaway, Nashville, Birmingham, and Chattanooga are all within a few hours’ drive, with Atlanta also easily accessible.

Food and drink enthusiasts will find everything from Southern staples and barbecue to an increasingly diverse restaurant scene, local breweries, coffee shops, and cocktail bars. Huntsville blends the welcoming character of the South with the energy of one of the country’s fastest-growing technology and aerospace communities.

Whether you're drawn by the outdoors, the growing city, or the opportunity to build your career in the heart of America's aerospace and defense industry, Huntsville offers a unique place to live, work, and help shape the future of flight.

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, placem