Additive Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Description

Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. We are seeking a full-time Additive Manufacturing (AM) Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role is a blend of application engineering and process engineering tasks centered around metallic additive manufacturing technologies. The Additive Team at Stoke Space makes sure that the infrastructure, materials, tools, and equipment are in place for us to rapidly iterate and print. The best-in-class team is crucial to developing and demonstrating groundbreaking technologies, design, and approaches for Zenith and Andromeda!  With an engineering degree or equivalent work experience and technical knowledge, the successful candidate will be instrumental in advancing our in-house production capabilities, ensuring the manufacturability of complex aerospace components, and contributing to our mission. You will work closely with the design, manufacturing, and operations teams through all phases of the product lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

Responsibilities

• Produce additively manufactured components that rapidly enable high performance liquid propulsion, while continuously improving manufacturing cost, quality, and lead time.
• Holistically own and optimize the total manufacturing process including, design for additive, build file programming, manufacturing work instructions, and quality verification.
• Take extreme ownership for development and deployment of metallic AM hardware fabricated with large and small format assets, encompassing both aspects of application and process engineering. This role is that of an additive manufacturing expert with practical execution skills and extensive technical knowledge. Directly responsible for delivering hardware and executing on milestones.
• Exhibit an extreme ownership mentality; the candidate will be comfortable delivering results in the face of adversity. When necessary, take action to find creative solutions such as designing tooling and fixtures, collaborating closely with external vendors for services, and ordering parts outside of their normal scope.
• Embrace a fast-paced startup environment, staying focused, self-directed, and eager to learn and adapt on the fly.

AM Process Engineering scope includes:

• Hands-on machine operation skills, including on-the-spot job pause recovery for a high-value builds.
• Knowledge and responsibility for mechanical systems necessary to support AM operations including gas and fluid plumbing, shop floor equipment.
• Ability to plan for and engage in support removal, de-powdering, and thermal post-processing.
• Provide input and review for component qualification plans, knowledge of materials testing and AM material performance.
• Ability to interface with quality requirements including NDT and dimensional inspection.
• Digital work order creation and value stream ownership.

AM Application Engineering scope includes:

• Ownership of the part digital custody chain between CAD model and printed hardware.
• Enhance communications as a liaison between design engineering and manufacturing, providing input to optimize feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and execution rate.
• Engage in CAD design for additive manufacturing, creating, and modifying designs to leverage AM for high performance and cost-effective hardware.
• Generate machine program files using a variety of tool pathing software.
• Interpret and define GD&T drawing requirements to deliver quality AM hardware.
• Work with high intensity, maintain status tracking, and project execution ownership in an ambitious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
• 3+ years of experience in metal additive manufacturing. 5+ years of experience for OTJ equivalent in relevant AM roles.
• Proficient in at least one CAD program, design for manufacturing, and GD&T.
• Able to work as an extreme part owner covering application and process engineering needs.
• Highly organized with the ability to work flexible hours, including second shift and weekends, as needed.
• 2+ years of experience working in aerospace, medical devices, or ISO environments
• Knowledge of general fabrication methods including CNC milling, turning, EDM, welding, bending, etc.
• Working knowledge of typical manufacturing execution systems (MES) and quality management systems
• Familiarity with design and operation of liquid propellant engine systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Willing to relocate to Seattle, WA

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:   

Target levels:

• Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

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., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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 background checks, 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, 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.