--- title: 'Project Engineer at Stratolaunch' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/project-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-ds25p9zv9p4t' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-06' --- # Project Engineer at Stratolaunch - **Company:** Stratolaunch - **Location:** Mojave California, United States - **Posted:** 2026-09-02 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/5414262008 ## Job description 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 Project Engineer to be a high-impact technical leader for hypersonic air vehicle programs.  This position will support the Chief Engineer directly and will be trusted to help develop and execute technical strategies for open-ended problems, manage risk, manage the supply chain for the project, and to communicate successfully with internal and external customers. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader and team player comfortable with setting and tracking program execution tasks, working with vendors, and interacting with all engineering disciplines, program management, and technical leadership. ## ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Partner with Program Director/Manager/Chief Engineer and support functions to achieve successful customer program execution - Familiarity with a wide breadth of disciplines to include: aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, controls and aero-thermodynamics - Capable of supporting Bill of Materials development and identifying and managing vendors to support the design effort and prepare designs for manufacturing - Support test planning and execution as required (ground and flight) - Support business proposals and planning - Support successful technical meetings and reviews such as Engineering Review Board phase-gate technical reviews. (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR) ## REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills - Experience as a project engineer or similar role with a prime contractor or as a program integrator - Demonstrated experience managing support vendors and/or subcontrators - Experience maintaining, modifying, or testing aerospace platforms - Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders - Ability to work on a team in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals - US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOW security clearance ## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Demonstrated success as a Project Engineer of a development project - 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 DOW security clearance - Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter ## EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: - Sr Level ($123,000 - $153,700): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience. - Staff Level ($151,000 - $185,700): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience. Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable: - This position is located in Mojave, CA. - An on-site work arrangement is strongly preferred with the possibility of occasional remote work not exceeding one (1) day per week. - Applicants must be a US Person able to obtain a security clearance to be considered for this role. - Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program. - 9/80 work schedule 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](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/: - 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](https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fofccp%2Fregs%2Fcompliance%2Fposters%2Fpdf%2Feeopost.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJustin.Bunkis%40stratolaunch.com%7Cc995cc1cb2d54cb9e84f08dd8369f5d0%7C6b1ba37e5a954845af92bbebaa34f2bf%7C0%7C0%7C638811213293596097%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HA1xZ73OqtOavsYHMEB53oSEKk%2FQdrb0FNLHeuEPqjg%3D&reserved=0) ## About Stratolaunch ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Stratolaunch designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to provide the U.S. and its allies with routine, affordable access to hypersonic flight testing and space. - **Entity Type**: Private (total funding $24.7M; recent grant and private equity rounds) - **Headquarters**: Mojave, California, United States - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Not listed in available sources ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – hypersonic test technology and air-launch services. - **Target customers**: U.S. government agencies (Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense), defense contractors, and commercial aerospace companies. - **Mission**: To advance a national imperative by enabling routine access to the hypersonic environment, accelerating technology development, and validating system performance through flight data. ## Products & Services - **Roc (Air-Launch Platform)**: The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, used as a mobile launch pad to deploy hypersonic test vehicles from high altitude. - **Talon-A**: A reusable, air-launched hypersonic test vehicle capable of sustained Mach 5+ flight; provides critical flight data for technology maturation. - **Hypersonic Flight Testing Services**: End-to-end mission planning, payload integration, flight operations, and data analysis for government and commercial customers. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Key Metrics**: - Annual revenue: ~$28.7M (source: LinkedIn) - Total funding: $24.7M (led by Missile Defense Agency grant, January 2025; plus a private equity round in January 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Missile Defense Agency (MDA), U.S. Department of Defense; acquired WINDWRIGHT, LLC. - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 15.3% YoY to 253 employees. - Active job postings increased 176.2% YoY. - Received a $90.8M contract award under MACH-TB 2.0 Task 3 for air-launched capability test vehicles. - Conducted a hypersonic test flight with the Missile Defense Agency. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unique Air-Launch Capability**: Operates Roc, the only aircraft of its size, enabling flexible, over-the-horizon launch of hypersonic vehicles without ground range constraints. - **Vertical Integration**: In-house design, manufacturing, and flight test capabilities reduce timelines and allow rapid iteration. - **Government Trust**: Multiple contract awards from MDA and DoD demonstrate confidence in Stratolaunch’s technology and execution. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling hypersonic testing capacity to meet growing national security demand. - Maturing Talon-A into a reusable, operational vehicle for repeatable, cost-effective hypersonic flights. - Expanding customer base beyond the MDA to include other defense agencies and commercial hypersonic developers. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “Safety Always,” “Be courageous & bold,” “Strength in humility,” and “Be the teammate you’d want to have.” Emphasis on hands-on, cross‑disciplinary learning alongside top aerospace engineers. - **Work Environment**: Majority on‑site (57 of 64 current positions are on‑site); limited hybrid/remote options. HQ in Mojave, CA, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, AL. - **Notable Perks**: Direct involvement in cutting‑edge hypersonic technology with national importance; exposure to multiple engineering disciplines; safety‑first, ego‑free culture. - **Compensation Example**: Propulsion Technician ~$65,890/yr; Executive Assistant ~$88,580/yr (LinkedIn estimates). - **Employer Rating**: 3.7/5 (55 reviews) – Compensation rated 4.0/5, Culture 3.5/5, Work‑Life 2.8/5. ## Sources 1. [stratolaunch.com](https://www.stratolaunch.com/) 2. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratolaunch) 3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch) 4. [stratolaunch.com/careers/culture](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/culture/) ## Other roles at Stratolaunch - [Aircraft Maintenance Shop Supervisor](https://feeny.ai/job/aircraft-maintenance-shop-supervisor-stratolaunch-mojave-california-f4nr6p7tzt6j) — Mojave California, United States - [Program Manager- Hypersonic Vehicle](https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-hypersonic-vehicle-stratolaunch-mojave-california-4c19c0xp938t) — Mojave California, United States - [Program Director- Targets](https://feeny.ai/job/program-director-targets-stratolaunch-mojave-california-x54q4xeac9ya) — Mojave California, United States - [Materials & Process Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/materials-process-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-gr15pm21bm9v) — Mojave California, United States - [Sr. Director, Program Management](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-director-program-management-stratolaunch-mojave-california-66tkrfktp3wr) — Mojave California, United States - [Data Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/data-systems-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-2xfp4afhpy1m) — Mojave California, United States - [Technical Staff, Guidance Navigation and Controls (GNC)](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-staff-guidance-navigation-and-controls-gnc-stratolaunch-mojave-rgcjm3v2pyh9) — Mojave California, United States - [Director, Supply Chain](https://feeny.ai/job/director-supply-chain-stratolaunch-mojave-california-b2cvrzftmzd2) — Mojave California, United States - [Project Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/project-coordinator-stratolaunch-mojave-california-d83q4tvpt0k5) — Mojave California, United States - [Assistant Facility Security Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-facility-security-officer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-4znw2xf10zc4) — Mojave California, United States