---
title: 'Supplier Quality Engineer at Stratolaunch'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/supplier-quality-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-vh5vh137875q'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Supplier Quality Engineer at Stratolaunch

- **Company:** Stratolaunch
- **Location:** Mojave California, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-08-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/5383224008

## 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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of products and processes at supplier sites. This role will help manage supplier qualifications, development, and ongoing performance, requiring significant travel to supplier facilities to conduct audits, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The individual operating in this capacity will support all aspects of supplier quality, to include: quality characteristic identification and control, process control, advanced product quality planning process (APQP), inspection and testing, measurement system analysis, corrective action, etc.

## ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Work closely with Supplier Management team to help drive strategic sourcing needs, decisions, and priorities
- Collaborating with the Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mission Operations teams, to meet program goals
- Participate in the quality planning and design and development processes by providing key input and representing the quality function while liaising with key suppliers
- Recommend investments and resources required to improve manufacturing and assembly quality, efficiency, and effectiveness
- Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Stratolaunch requirements, aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100), and the Stratolaunch supplier approval processes (including supplier qualification, re-qualification, and ongoing surveillance)
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier nonconformances, including supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), containment, root cause, corrective/preventive actions, verification of effectiveness, and timely closure
- Collaborate with suppliers to implement process improvements and preventive actions
- Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams regarding quality requirements and expectations
- Ensure suppliers maintain proper documentation and records for quality assurance, traceability, and regulatory compliance
- Coordinate and/or perform supplier source inspection activities as required (e.g., at supplier site or at receiving), including alignment on sampling/inspection plans and disposition of findings
- Review and approve supplier quality plans, inspection procedures, and first article inspection (FAI) reports
- Travel to supplier sites to monitor performance and resolve quality issues
- Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

## QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

- Knowledge and experience in quality management system requirements (such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949)
- Knowledge and experience with fundamental quality improvement and assurance tools (such as MSA, APQP, and CAPA)
- Experience with supplier quality management, supplier development, and working with external vendors
- Experience with Aerospace industry standards
- Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Computer Skills

- MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)

## Preferred Computer Skills

- Statistical analysis applications (Minitab or equivalent)

## EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

- Sr Level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
- Staff Level ($128,000-$186,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

- Position based in Mojave, CA
- Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work arrangement for highly qualified Southern California candidates
- Position requires significant interaction on the shop floor with the Materials and Processes, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management teams
- Travel expectations may be significant (up to 50% or more), for visiting manufacturing vendors

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

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