--- title: 'Systems Test Engineer at Stratolaunch' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/systems-test-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-rdsp81xf9tn6' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-06' --- # Systems Test Engineer at Stratolaunch - **Company:** Stratolaunch - **Location:** Mojave California, United States - **Posted:** 2025-08-22 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/4893249008 ## 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 Sr- or Staff-level Test Engineer to lead the Talon-A air-launched, hypersonic vehicle testing. An ideal candidate will have experience in vehicle integration and test. This role involves interfacing with a multi-disciplinary engineering team and program management. ## ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Collaborates with the systems engineering, test team responsible engineers, and program leadership to define and implement vehicle integration and test activities - Collaborates with a multi-disciplinary engineering team to produce and maintain an up-to-date test objective database - Ensures vehicle is tested in a manner to meet vehicle requirements - Participates in test planning, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test execution, vehicle troubleshooting and post-test data reviews - Architects and optimizes data review methodology, as well as data review and data analysis tools - Understands connections and dependences between subsystems - Sets standards for test planning and documentation and ensure those standards are met - Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments ## QUALIFICATION & SKILLS 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required Qualifications - Experience working in small, dynamic engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities - Previous test experience (e.g. vehicle integration testing, ground testing, and/or flight testing) - Familiarity with avionics, instrumentation, software, fluid systems, liquid rockets, and/or structures (listed in order of priority) - Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities - Excellent written & verbal communication - Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance Required Skills - MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) - Familiarity with CAD (Solidworks preferred) - Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Jira - Familiarity with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience as a Test Conductor - Experience contributing to the systems engineering content for a major technical review such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review or Critical Design Review - Experience maintaining aerospace industry standards for vehicle configuration and changes - Experience with air-launched hypersonic vehicle development - Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation - Experience defining, managing, and verifying requirements for hypersonic vehicles with hot-structure airframes - Current DOD Secret security clearance ## Preferred Skills - Experience programming (Matlab, Python) - Experience with CAD (Solidworks preferred) - Experience with configuration management systems such as Jira - Experience with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc. ## EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Sr-level ($120,500-158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience - Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): 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 - Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program 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 - [Project Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/project-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-california-ds25p9zv9p4t) — 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