Launch Engineer - Ground Operations

About the role

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a launch operations engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and operating new launch systems from scratch and serving as a key member of the ground operations team for test and orbital launch campaigns. You will be responsible for engineering, procedures, integration, commissioning, operations, and on-console control. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other roles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• On-console control of launch ground systems
• Own launch readiness, day-of launch console operations, and test & launch campaigns for ground systems
• Serve as main point of contact for anomaly investigations and own anomaly response and closure for ground systems
• Develop, maintain, and execute procedures, control logic, and automation sequencing for ground systems
• Develop and implement test plans and procedures, complete data reviews, and oversee launch readiness reviews for launch site operations
• Perform real time and post operation data reviews for the ground systems
• Work closely with vehicle software team, and help architect launch automation
• Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines, including headquarters and test, inclusive of software and hardware, to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, integrate and operate high cadence flight hardware
• Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including launch control center
• Continuously improve launch operations and functions to enable high-cadence launch and recovery operations
• Provide engineering expertise, oversite, and hands-on support during day-to-day site operations
• Serve as on-console support or pad lead for day-to-day launch pad operations
• Ensure operations are performed industry best practices and EHS policies are followed. Work with EHS to optimize safety policies and operational procedures to reduce or eliminate risk to personnel

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).
• Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (thermodynamics, fluids, software, electrical, and/or structures)
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time.
• Ability to architect launch automation logic & sequencing and an understanding of software state machine applications
• Experience utilizing and enforcing EHS policies including fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, job site safety, hazmat, and waste streams
• Experience operating and calibrating EHS tools utilized in a launch complex environment including hazardous gas detectors, FLIR cameras, and sound meters
• Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to Stoke HQ and Moses Lake Test Site to help ensure seamless Cape Launch Site operations
• Ability to prioritize and execute
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to lead
• Ability to follow
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field.
• Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL
• 10+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).
• Experience working hazardous operations including operations with high pressure gas systems, cryogenic liquid systems, high power systems, and/or explosive ordnance
• Experience performing hazardous analyses for cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems
• Experience wor

Additional Information

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.

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