Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Lead Engineering Technician to supervise and mentor a team supporting the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle and related systems. This role will focus on overseeing environmental testing operations—including thermal, vibration, shock, and related test methods—to ensure systems meet rigorous aerospace standards. The Lead Technician will coordinate daily activities, provide technical guidance, and serve as a primary resource for troubleshooting and process improvement.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise and Mentor Technicians

Lead, train, and mentor a team of engineering technicians performing environmental testing.
Assign daily tasks, monitor progress, and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on support for complex test setups and troubleshooting.
Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.

Oversee Environmental Testing Operations

Coordinate and review test activities, including operation of thermal chambers, vibration tables, shock equipment, and related instrumentation.
Supervise the execution of thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and combined environment testing per applicable aerospace and industry standards.
Ensure accurate documentation, analysis, and reporting of test results; review and approve corrective action recommendations.
Maintain and calibrate test equipment, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.

Support Systems Integration and Test Preparation

Oversee the design and fabrication of test fixtures, support equipment, and instrumentation setups.
Approve and provide oversight for the creation of test procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation.
Act as the primary liaison for test readiness reviews and coordination with engineering teams.

Technical Communication and Cross-Functional Leadership

Serve as the main point of contact for technical escalations and cross-functional coordination.
Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions to engineering leads and management.
Lead efforts to integrate and validate complex aerospace systems through environmental testing.

Travel and Professionalism

Travel as needed (<5%) to support department and test activities.
Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required Qualifications

Extensive experience in environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.) and team leadership or supervisory roles.
Deep knowledge of environmental test methods, standards, and instrumentation.
Experience integrating and supporting aerospace or complex mechanical/electrical systems.
Proficiency in creating and reviewing test procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation.
Strong hands-on experience with test equipment setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
Proven ability to communicate technical challenges and mentor junior technicians.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage team workload to fit business goals.
Experience with complex aerospace system development and integration.
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and lead teams through change.
Ability to gain and maintain a DoW security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with environmental test standards (e.g., RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, RCC-319/324, SSC-S016).
Active DoW Security clearance.