Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller

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.

We are seeking an experienced Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller with a focus on launch automation, launch vehicle systems, and software for our Nova launch vehicle. In this critical role, you will develop launch day concept of operations, automation systems, coordinate with engineering teams, and ensure a seamless transition from ground operations through launch, flight, and handoff to orbital or recovery operations. This role will be well served by someone who is an expert in software engineering AND aerospace propulsion systems including tanks and structures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and refine automation and software to support test and mission operations and streamline test and launch day processes.
• Work closely with Vehicle RE’s to ensure that software is enabling test and launch operations for the integrated vehicle.
• Operate and build systems that monitor telemetry from the Nova launch vehicle and assess real-time launch commit criteria.
• Work with Kent, Moses Lake and Launch Site teams to streamline integrated vehicle testing as a continuation into Launch Site processing and Launch Operations.
• Aggregate and synthesize engineering inputs from subject matter experts to enable and inform critical decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Mission Operations Engineering, advising on launch sequence adjustments and anomaly resolution when needed.
• Drive the continuous improvement of launch day CONOPS to increase operational efficiency and mission success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Experience in vehicle automation, telemetry analysis, and operational command and control.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting high pressure fluid systems or cryogenic systems
• Experience operating and troubleshooting mechanical/electrical or avionics systems
• Strong problem-solving skills, especially in high-stakes, real-time environments.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ Years experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Expertise in reusable launch systems.
• Familiarity with mission control software and systems integration.
• Experience in developing launch commit criteria and real-time response protocols

Benefits

• Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, 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) 

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 3 range: $123,000 - $184,400
• Level 4 range: $144,100 - $240,100
• Level 5 range: $168,100 - $312,200

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. (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 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, 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.