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Flight Termination System Engineer

Stratolaunch
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Mojave, CA 93501, USA
Aug 18, 2026

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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Avionics Engineer with emphasis in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) to support continued technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft. This position will also support the efforts to design, integrate, and test the FTS and AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various FTS documents. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of the FTS and AFSS
  • Collaborate with range safety to review and approve FTS and AFSS documentation
  • Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop
  • Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft pylon hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
  • Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS and AFSS technical requirements
  • Contribute to coordination of range testing
  • Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development
  • Evaluate and determine risks and risk mitigation plans
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATIONS & 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:

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
  • Experience with FTS and/or AFSS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
  • Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware
  • Experience working with and tailoring RCC-319 & RCC-324 requirements
  • Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing
  • Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors
  • Experience with test planning and execution
  • Experience with risk management
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

  • Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
  • Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis
  • Experience developing environmental test specifications
  • Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
  • Engineering with computing languages & tools (C, C , AGI STK, HFSS)
  • Experience with government agencies
  • Experience with air-launch programs
  • Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
  • Security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Level I ($83,000-$120,500): Bachelor’s degree or higher from accredited institution and 0-2 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering 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 engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position based in Mojave, CA
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%

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 and our location(s): 

  • 9/80 schedule
  • 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

Job ID

5374293008
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