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.

Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A key ingredient to making reusable systems is the ability to test hardware quickly. As the Vehicle Test Operations Manager at our Moses Lake Test Site, you will be responsible for managing the team that builds and operates the vehicle test facilities at the test site. This includes vehicle component testing as well as integrated vehicle testing. You will need to ensure safe and reliable operation while pushing to find ways to move quickly and simplify. You will aid in iterating on vehicle design, providing feedback that will be critical to designing a rocket that can operate at a high cadence. You will work with hardware and software, mechanical systems and electrical systems. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Minimum Qualifications

Exceptional command of fundamentals
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
5+ years experience with rocket test operations, including on-console engineering support
2+ years experience as a team lead or people manager
Experience designing fluid systems such as: P&ID creation, line sizing and component specification, hazard analysis, CAD modeling
Hands-on experience building and integrating mechanical and electronic systems
Experience writing and operating test procedures
Experience writing and running automation for ground and vehicle systems
Experience with high pressure or hazardous environments
Experience with real-time and post-test data analysis
Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting mechanical fluid components such as: cryogenic and high pressure valves, pressure regulators, pumps, relief valves
Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting instrumentation such as: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, silicon diodes, flow meters, high-speed pressure sensors, accelerometers
Willing to work outdoors for long periods of time
Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Passion for building something with high quality, willing to attend work with a positive and humble attitude, and willing to take ownership of large and small tasks to help the team be successful
Excellent written and verbal communication
Willing to relocate to Moses Lake, WA
Must be comfortable navigating a large, spread-out test site via personal vehicle or on foot.

Responsibilities

Managing and/or personally executing the design and build of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications
Managing and/or personally executing the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications
Creating sustainable engineering processes
Managing project schedules
Managing project budgets
Ensuring high uptime and reliability of the test stands
Ensuring safe operation of high pressure, cryogenic, and other hazardous environments
Performing people management responsibilities such as: regular check-ins, mentorship and coaching, providing feedback, performance reviews
As part of a small team, you will also perform everyday tasks to keep the site running (shipping and receiving, administrative tasks, etc.)

Benefits

Equity – We are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life and disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
Paid Family/Parental Leave
On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Level 3: $129,150 - $193,620

Level 4: $151,305 - $252,105

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ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (i.e., current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and backgroundchecks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, as noted above, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [email protected]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.

About the company

Stoke Space is developing Nova rockets with full stage reuse to enable high-cadence, lower-cost access to orbit for commercial satellite operators and government missions. The rockets are designed for rapid reuse of both stages, supporting frequent flights and lower operating costs compared to expendable or partially reusable fleets. The company is progressing toward its first orbital flight with Nova Pathfinder around early 2027, followed by Nova Block 2 capable of lifting about 15 metric tons to low Earth orbit later in the decade. Stoke aims to accelerate reusable launch development and establish a dependable, high-frequency launch capability for customers.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series E

Total Funding

$2.4B

Headquarters

Kent, Washington

Founded

2019

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Sept. 8, 2026 Reuters said the round values Stoke near $10 billion.
Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral advances, giving Stoke a real Florida pad.
Kevin Weil joined the board in 2026, strengthening software, product, and fundraising credibility.

What critics are saying

Nova Pathfinder slips past 2027, delaying revenue and handing customers to SpaceX.
Any 2027 orbital failure stalls certification, burns cash, and forces another expensive redesign.
Block 2 faces a brutal capital wall; one slip risks a stranded, pre-revenue company.

What makes Stoke Space unique

100% reusable Nova architecture targets both stages, unlike partial-reuse Falcon-class rivals.
Sept. 2026 Series E lifted total capital to $2.3 billion, funding full-stack reuse.
Nova Block 2 targets 15 tons to LEO, pairing medium-lift capacity with rapid turnaround.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Flexible Work Hours
Company Equity

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Stoke Space

Sep 9th, 2026

Stoke Space Raises $1 Billion to Accelerate Fully Reusable Launch

Seamless mobility to, through, and from space. Nova is built for 100% reusability, from the start.

Main-Post

Sep 8th, 2026

Porsche SE invests low double-digit millions in US rocket firm Stoke Space

Porsche SE, the majority shareholder of Volkswagen, has invested in US rocket company Stoke Space Technologies. The Stuttgart-based holding company of the Porsche and Piëch families committed a low double-digit million euro amount to the space venture. Stoke Space is developing a two-stage carrier rocket designed for full reusability, enabling higher launch frequency and significantly lower costs than conventional rockets. According to Porsche SE chief Hans Dieter Pötsch, this approach is similar to Elon Musk's SpaceX, which currently dominates the rocket launch market. This marks Porsche SE's second investment in the space sector. In 2021, the holding company invested in Bavarian rocket startup Isar Aerospace, acquiring a low single-digit percentage stake. Stoke Space's "Nova" rocket is scheduled for its first launch in early 2027.

Bloomberg

Aug 13th, 2026

Stoke Space Is Raising $1 Billion to Fund Flagship Nova Rocket

Stoke Space Technologies Inc. is raising $1 billion to accelerate development and production of a fully reusable rocket to challenge Elon Musk’s SpaceX, people familiar with the matter said.

Associated Press

Jul 8th, 2026

Former OpenAI executive Kevin Weil joins Stoke Space board as reusable rocket firm eyes commercial operations

Stoke Space has appointed Kevin Weil to its board of directors. Weil brings over 20 years of technology leadership experience from roles at OpenAI, Planet Labs, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Most recently, he served as vice president of science at OpenAI, focusing on applying AI to scientific discovery. Stoke Space is developing Nova, a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle. The company aims to provide low-cost, on-demand space transport with aircraft-like frequency. Weil was part of management teams that took Twitter and Planet public and helped scale Instagram and ChatGPT into global platforms. Stoke's technology development has been funded by the US Space Force, DIU, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. Weil holds degrees in physics and mathematics from Harvard and Stanford.

Business Wire

Feb 11th, 2026

Stoke Space Technologies Extends Previously Announced Series D Financing to $860 Million

Stoke Space Technologies extends previously announced Series D Financing to $860 million.