Senior Engineering Technician Lead

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.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and advanced test automation techniques.

Required Computer Skills:

• Data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., NI LabVIEW, Curtiss-Wright IADS, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with 3D CAD for test fixture design.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred Computer Skills:

• Siemens Capital/Mentor Graphics.
• 3D CAD modeling experience – NX, CATIA, or Solidworks.
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Engr Tech ($52.88-$64.90): 10+ years as a technician in a relevant discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with demonstrated leadership and strong proficiency in environmental testing.

Special Remarks Regarding Work Environment

• Position is on-site based in Mojave, CA.
• Travel, as needed, to support the department (<5%).