Propulsion Engineer (Engine Lead)

A thriving economy in space is needed to make life on Earth more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable. Space technology will enable global access to information, solutions to climate change, answers to global food security, products that transform healthcare, clean energy production, and more. Today, rocket launch options are slow, expensive, and unreliable. Stoke is building the world's most efficient fully and rapidly reusable rocket designed to fly daily that will radically increase access to space and open up the space economy to safeguard our precious home, Earth.

Description

Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As such, fully and rapidly reusable rocket engines are needed to accomplish this mission. Stoke's Engines Programs are developing reusable LNG/LOX full flow staged combustion and reusable LH2/LOX expander cycle engines for our launch vehicle, Nova. As an Engine Lead (aka Engine Responsible Engineer) you will be ultimately responsible for the execution of an Engine Program. You will own all aspects of Engine definition, from design through assembly, test, launch, and ultimately refurbishment and sustainment. You will be the chief engineer, project manager, and lead systems engineer for the Engine. You will lead and be responsible for a multi-disciplinary team of Propulsion, Structural, Mechanical, Avionics, Software, and Test engineers to realize your vision for the Engine program. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Test, Vehicle, and Operations engineers as the Engine integrates with the rest of the Launch System and its lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Own the engine program from development through flight

• Own the engine architecture, conceptual design, and system level requirements in coordination with the owners of other portions of the Launch System

• Manage the definition of engine subsystem requirements and interfaces. Drive coordination amongst these subsystem owners

• Develop engine operation procedures and operational limits in coordination with vehicle, test stand, and launch operations teams

• Track engine technical performance and risk throughout the design cycle, manage changes to interfaces and requirements, and mediate technical disagreements between subsystems

• Define and manage schedule and budget for the engine program

• Define the verification plan for the engine requirements and manage its execution

• Participate in launch operations to make real-time engineering decisions on technical risks

• Develop upgrade paths for improved reliability, rapid reusability, and faster production of engines

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design, build, and/or testing of rocket engines, combustion devices, turbopumps, and valves

• Demonstrated experience working on one or more development engine programs through part of the lifecycle, from concept through sustained operations

• Demonstrated ability to integrate a team of technical contributors, including propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers

• Strong knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals, and ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to a fast-paced development program

• Exceptional command of fundamentals, including compressible flow, thermodynamics, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation

• Strong knowledge with data analysis and data processing

• Extensive experience with CAD tools and configuration management (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred)

• Proficiency with understanding and maintaining revision-controlled P&ID's

• Proficiency with aerospace standard fasteners, seals, tubing, fittings, and commercial off the shelf hardware

• Proficiency with instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, and flow meters

• Proficiency with fluid analysis tools (Siemens AMESim, Thermal Desktop, Python, EES, REFPROP, Excel, or equivalent)

• Experience with various welding approaches (GTAW, Laser, and EB Welds)

• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance stackups, and material selection

• Hands on experience performing fabrication and assembly of components

• Ability to lead

• Ability to follow

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar

• Willing to relocate to Seattle, WA

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance

• 401(k) match

• Paid time off

• Flexible scheduling

• Equity

Compensation

Target levels:

• Level 3 Range: $125,600 - $188,300
• Level 4 Range: $153,500 - $230,100

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.