Payload Engineer

About this role

Stratolaunch seeks a Mechanical or Structural Engineer to lead payload design, integration, and testing on hypersonic Talon-A vehicles. This role combines mechanical CAD modeling, structural analysis, and cross-team collaboration to deliver customer payloads for operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+.

What you'll do

• Design and analyze mechanical/avionics payload packaging using CAD and structural analysis tools
• Define interface and integration requirements across multiple engineering subsystems and teams
• Create, organize, and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies for Talon-A payloads
• Perform structural and thermal analysis on mechanical components and assemblies
• Support fabricators and mechanics during component build and vehicle integration
• Coordinate technical customer reviews and ensure deliverables meet contract requirements

What they're looking for

• Solidworks (3D CAD and assembly management)
• Structural analysis (FEMAP, ANSYS, or hand calculations)
• PDM and configuration management (Jira)
• Requirements management systems (Jama, Cameo, DOORS)
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Technical communication across diverse audiences
• NX and TeamCenter (preferred)
• Security clearance eligibility or active TS/SCI clearance

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement possible with 75%+ on-site presence for qualified candidates
• Competitive salary range: Level II $101K–$146.5K or Sr-level $120.5K–$158K
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle programs
• Multi-disciplinary team environment with diverse technical challenges
• Travel support (<10% estimated)

Likely interview questions

• Walk us through your experience managing complex CAD assemblies and PDM systems; how have you handled model organization on multi-team projects?
• Describe a time you performed structural or thermal analysis—which tools did you use, and how did you validate your results?