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

Reliable, real-time data is critical to safe and successful launch operations. As a Ground Segment & RF Engineer in Stoke Space’s Mission Operations department, you will be responsible for ensuring that data from the Nova rocket gets to the control room - clearly, reliably, and by whatever means necessary.

This role owns the end-to-end ground segment, starting at vehicle downlink, and continuing with RF ground stations, ground station location selection, networks and telemetry ingestion. You will define how ground systems are designed, integrated, tested, and operated, and you will be accountable for their performance during integrated testing, rehearsals, and live launch operations.

This role will also be involved in future architecture evaluations when it comes to moving large amounts of data between space assets. Stokes Nova vehicle is architected to be more than just a launch vehicle and will require telemetry and data solutions that enable those end uses.

This is a senior-to-principal level role for someone who has operated real systems in the field and understands that RF and ground systems are not abstract architectures - they must work under time pressure, in harsh environments, and with real consequences. You’ll be expected to identify what needs to be built, close gaps across teams, and make systems operational.

Responsibilities

Own the design, integration, and operation of the end-to-end ground segment for Nova launches
Ensure reliable telemetry and data flow from the vehicle to mission control during test, launch, flight, and recovery
Design and operate RF and ground station systems, including antennas, tracking assets, and associated infrastructure
Define telemetry requirements, data formats, rates, and modes in collaboration with avionics and flight software teams
Work with Stoke teams to build and maintain telemetry ingest, routing, and distribution systems used by operators and engineers
Support integrated vehicle RF system testing, pad testing, launch rehearsals, and live launch operations as a responsible engineer
Troubleshoot and resolve issues across RF, networking, software, and hardware layers—often in real time
Develop procedures, configurations, and documentation that enable repeatable and reliable operations
Inform and Influence architecture trades for future iterations of the Nova Launch Vehicle
Perform future programs systems design and trades and technology evaluations as an RF systems expert for Stoke future products.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, computer, systems engineering, or equivalent experience
7+ years of experience in ground systems, RF systems, mission operations, avionics integration, or telemetry systems
Direct experience supporting real hardware operations (flight test, launch operations, fielded systems, or equivalent)
Strong systems-level understanding across RF, networking, software, and operational interfaces
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex systems under time pressure
Experience writing procedures and documentation used during live operations
Comfortable taking responsibility for outcomes, not just designs

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent practical experience
Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, or high-consequence aerospace systems
Experience supporting live countdowns or mission control operations
Familiarity with range interfaces, launch site infrastructure, or FAA Part 450 environments
Experience scaling ground systems from early development through operational cadence
Demonstrated principal-level ownership of a complex system or capability

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 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105
Level 5 Range: $176,505 - $327,810

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.