Test Engineer (Level 1 - Early Career)

Job description

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. Please note: We are only considering applicants for this role who are available to start in May 2027 or later. Description Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A key ingredient to making reusable systems is the ability to test hardware quickly. As a Test Engineer at our Moses Lake Test Site, you will be responsible for collaborating with other engineers and technicians to design and build test stands rapidly, as well as operate and maintain them efficiently once they are up and running. You will work with hardware and software, mechanical systems and electrical systems. You will test rocket components, engines, and full stage vehicles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. Responsibilities Designing and building fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications Managing project schedules Writing test procedures Performing hazard analysis Performing test data analysis Safely operate high pressure and cryogenic systems As part of a small team, you will also perform everyday tasks to keep the site running (shipping and receiving, administrative tasks, etc.) Qualifications Exceptional command of fundamentals Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar 0–3 years of relevant experience (including internships and college organizations) Experience creating P&IDs Experience with integrating and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic systems Experience with high pressure or hazardous environments Willing to work outdoors for long periods of time Must be comfortable navigating a large, spread-out test site via personal vehicle or on foot. Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted Passion for building something with high quality, willing to attend work with a positive and humble attitude, and willing to take ownership of large and small tasks to help the team be successful Excellent written and verbal communication skills Must be comfortable navigating a large, spread-out test site via personal vehicle or on foot. Preferred Qualifications Experience designing fluid systems from scratch Experience writing and operating test procedures 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 – 11 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: $95,550 - $120,645 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 careers@stokespace.com . 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 .