Test Engineer

TLDR

Collaborate with engineers and technicians to test rocket components and design efficient test facilities to support innovative space transportation solutions.

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.

Description

We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a Test Engineer at our Kent site, you will be responsible for collaborating with other engineers and technicians to test rocket components, design and build test facilities rapidly, as well as operate and maintain them efficiently once they are up and running. You will work with hardware and software, mechanical systems, fluid systems and electrical systems. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Key Responsibilities
  • Own the environmental test lab: procure, setup, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot vibration tables, thermal chambers, and thermal vacuum chambers.
  • Design and procure test fixturing, manage sound solutions, train operators, and drive continuous process improvements.
  • Build, operate, and troubleshoot complex fluid systems for test applications. Size and select valves, regulators, load cells and actuators.
  • Integrate and operate critical test instrumentation. Work hands-on with thermocouples, strain gauges, transducers, load cells and accelerometers.
  • Enable development, qualification, and acceptance testing of Stoke components.
  • Design hardware systems in CAD.
  • Write test procedures and perform hazard and test data analysis.
  • Safely operate high pressure and cryogenic systems.
Qualifications
  • 8+ years experience in a design and test environment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar.
  • Exceptional command of engineering fundamentals.
  • Deep experience testing and operating complex fluid systems. Strong background in component selection for test stands (pumps, valves, seals).
  • Proven hands-on experience selecting, configuring, and troubleshooting test instrumentation (thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers and accelerometers).
  • Passion for building something with high quality, a positive and humble attitude, and a willingness to take ownership of large and small tasks.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Willing to work onsite in Kent, WA.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a fast paced startup environment.
  • Direct experience in the space or aerospace industry.
  • Experience building data acquisition systems and creating P&IDs.
  • Experience writing and operating test procedures.
  • Experience with hydraulic systems.

The Physical Stuff

  • This is a hands-on role. You’ll need to be comfortable bending, crawling, and stooping throughout the day, and you should be able to lift 25 lbs. on your own.

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 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620
  • 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.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Benefits

Equity Compensation

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.

Health Insurance

Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Dog friendly office

Dog friendly offices!

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Family/Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

4 weeks’ Paid Time Off

Wellness Stipend

On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)

Stoke Space Technologies is developing Nova, a fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle designed to transform space transportation. By addressing key challenges such as cost, reliability, and availability, Nova paves the way for a more scalable and vibrant space economy.

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Salary
$129,150 – $193,620 per year
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