Engines - Test Lead (Andromeda Engine)

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

As an Engines Test Lead, you will have extreme ownership over all aspects of the engine test program for a 100% reusable rocket engine designed to fly daily.

You will own the development and qualification test program for our Andromeda LH2/LOX expander cycle engine from development through flight, from component level testing through fully integrated engine hotfires. You will be onsite at our Moses Lake Test Site working with the test facility team and engines team to take the engine through all phases of the product lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain engine test requirements

• Develop and maintain the engine test plans, breaking down the requirements into discrete test sequences and own the test procedure and schedule to execute them

• Own engine as-tested configuration from factory to flight

• Own test verification activities to ensure accomplished tests meet requirements

• Plan, prioritize, and execute component (turbopumps, pressure-fed injectors, valves, etc.) and full engine test campaigns

• Drive test data reviews and perform data analysis, own anomaly investigations and resolutions

• Develop and improve configuration tracking tools, test planning tools, and data reduction and trending tools

• Design build and troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in designing, building, and testing of rocket engines, combustion devices, pumps, and valves

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

• Strong knowledge of data analysis and data processing

• Proficiency with operation and testing of pneumatic, hydraulic, and cryogenic fluid systems

• 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

• Excellent written and verbal communication

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

• Willing to work in person in Moses Lake, Washington

Strongly Desired:

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

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

• Hands on experience and knowledge of fabrication and assembly of propulsion systems components: turbopumps, combustion devices, valves, electronics, etc.

More Information:

• Information about our Moses Lake Test Site: Moses Lake Test Site

• Information about Andromeda: Introducing Andromeda

• Video of the Andromeda Engine hot firing: Andromeda Hotfire

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.

• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Company-paid life and disability insurance

• 401(k) plan with employer match

• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off

• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)

• Paid Family/Parental Leave

• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)

• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,4703

• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.