Test Stand Design Engineer
STOKE Space Technologies
At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.
Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.
Description
Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. An instrumental ingredient to making reusable launch vehicles is the ability to test hardware quickly. As a Test Engineer at our Moses Lake test facility, you will be responsible for collaborating with other engineers and technicians to design and build test stands rapidly. Your focus will be on designing and manufacturing the mechanical systems that make ground testing our possible – piping, pipe supports, structures, and fluid and gas systems. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar
- 1+ years of experience in related role, including related experience from internships or college organizations
- Exceptional command of structural, thermodynamics, and fluids engineering principles
- Proficient with Siemens NX or similar 3D modeling software
- Proficient with creating fluids P&IDs from scratch
- Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, instrumentation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to lead
- Ability to follow
- Full-time in Moses Lake preferred; on-site requirements may vary based on experience level.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and integration of mechanical systems—piping, pipe supports, structures, weldments, and fluid systems—across the full lifecycle from concept to delivery.
- Negotiate requirements, go from concept to CAD, create detailed drawings, and manage suppliers throughout the fabrication process, ensuring timely procurement and quality execution.
- Serve as the technical interface between internal teams (Test Article REs, Test Stand REs, Test Operators, Test Technicians) and external suppliers, translating needs and requirements into actionable designs.
- Support seamless integration and handoff of ground support equipment (GSE), working closely with test engineers and operators to ensure all systems are installed, commissioned, and intuitive to use.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, coordinating fabrication, delivery, and troubleshooting to keep test programs on schedule.
- Collaborate across disciplines to take requirements from multiple teams and ensure designs are practical, safe, and effective in real-world test scenarios.
- Drive improvements in testing efficiency, safety, and reliability, proactively identifying challenges and solving problems across design, fabrication, and integration.
- Document and maintain as-built drawings, schematics, and system records for all equipment under your responsibility, ensuring traceability and operational readiness.
- Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer requirements
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)
- Dog friendly offices!
Compensation
Target Levels:
- Level 1 Range: $85,550 - $120,645
- Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
- Level 3 Range: $129,160 - $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.
E-Verify
Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
