Avionics - Stage Integration & Test 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.

The avionics system is the backbone of highly reusable, operable, and reliable space systems. As the Avionics - Stage Integration and Test Engineer at an early-stage start-up, you will be responsible for the architecture, integration, test, and launch  of avionics flight hardware on the launch vehicle. This will require a diverse understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces necessary to integrate and operate the launch vehicle.  You will work closely with the design, manufacturing, test site, and lauch site teams to define integration, electrical checkout, and pre-flight operations sequences that will culminate in the first launch of the NOVA rocket. You will seek out state-of-the-art solutions to difficult problems and you will assist in the definition of company standards for avionics integration and test. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Own integrated avionics systems all the way from design, development, manufacturing, test, and flight
• Develop system and harness schematics, equipment lists, integration and test plans for the complete stage and engine avionics system in partnership with peer teams (component owners, software, fluids, structures, etc.)
• Facilitate/utilize hardware-in-the-loop test solutions to validate vehicle designs and develop continuous integration test objectives
• Develop a thorough understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces necessary to integrate and operate the launch vehicle
• Own system-level integration schedules - providing component and system level delivery targets, outward reporting, etc.
• Troubleshoot electrical hardware issues on vehicle, and coordinate with component owners to drive corrective actions and design changes
• Develop day of flight procedures and sequences for battery charging, avionics health checking, and vehicle launch and recovery
• Support integrated stage and hot fire testing at our Moses Lake, WA Test site and onsite at Cape Canaveral
• Serve as on-console avionics support for stage-level tests, launch and recovery operations

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in electrical engineering or equivalent on-the-job experience
• 5+ years experience designing, building, or testing electrical systems/electronics (research and extracurricular academic projects qualify)
• Experience with integration, test, or operations of complex multidisciplinary systems such as launch vehicles, satellites, aircraft, or automotive
• Experience developing electrical schematics
• Familiarity with automated test sequences, and lab equipment for development testing of circuits and components

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing assembly work plans/instructions for mechanical integration of avionics components and harnessing
• Experience with Python, Rust, LabVIEW, LabJack, UEI, National Instruments hardware, etc.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
• Rigorous attention to detail

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 3 Range: $123,000 - $184,400
• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

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.