Mechanical Engineer (Payload Module Jettison Systems)

The role

You will own the payload fairing jettison system on Nova from requirements through reuse. This includes separation and clearance analysis, pneumatics, actuators, mechanisms, and integrated testing.

What you will do

• Own the fairing jettison system from requirements through reuse
• Develop and run jettison dynamics and clearance analyses
• Design, analyze, procure, qualify, and integrate pneumatics, actuators, and mechanisms
• Create CAD models and manufacturing drawings with proper GD&T
• Work with machinists, technicians, and suppliers to build and test hardware
• Plan and run integrated jettison tests
• Troubleshoot failures and drive root cause corrective action
• Lead design reviews and communicate technical decisions
• Run trade studies on separation and deployment architectures

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience designing, building, and testing hardware
• Exceptional command of mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics)
• Experience designing, analyzing, and testing pneumatics, actuators, or mechanisms
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and creating detailed manufacturing drawings
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Experience with structural analysis, both hand calcs and FEA
• Hands-on test experience: test plans, instrumentation, running tests, and correlating data back to analysis
• Proven ability to take ownership, work independently, and deliver results
• Strong communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience with multibody dynamics analysis (Adams, Simscape Multibody, LS-Dyna, or similar) and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis
• Familiarity with design and qualification to NASA-STD-5017 and AIAA S-114
• Experience with launch vehicle separation systems: fairing jettison, stage separation, or payload separation
• Experience with NX, ANSYS, and Femap (or similar tools)
• Experience designing for launch vehicle environments (vibration, shock, vacuum, thermal cycle)
• Experience with reusable hardware: inspection, refurbishment, and life tracking
• Exposure to separation electrical systems, separating connectors, or harness routing
• Experience in fast-paced startup or rapid development environments
• Track record of shipping hardware from first principles through flight

Benefits

• Equity in the form of stock options
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
• 11 holidays including an end-of-year closure
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks
• Must be able to prove identity and authorization to work in the U.S.
• Position entails access to technology restricted under U.S. export control laws
• Stoke Space uses E-Verify

About the company

Stoke is building Nova, a fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle designed for daily flight. The company aims to create a scalable space industry by reducing cost and increasing availability.