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Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller Verified today

Stoke Space · Cape Canaveral, FL · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Nova

Stoke is building Nova, a fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle designed for daily flight. You will help reduce launch costs, increase flight cadence, and improve reliability across the space industry.

Your Role

You will develop and refine launch day automation, software, and operational procedures for Nova. You own the transition from ground operations through launch, flight, and handoff to orbital or recovery operations. This role demands expertise in both software engineering and aerospace propulsion systems, including tanks and structures.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and refine automation and software to support test and mission operations.
  • Work closely with Vehicle Reliability Engineers to ensure software enables integrated vehicle testing and launch operations.
  • Operate and build systems that monitor telemetry from Nova and assess real-time launch commit criteria.
  • Work with Kent, Moses Lake, and Launch Site teams to streamline integrated vehicle testing into Launch Site processing and operations.
  • Aggregate and synthesize engineering inputs from subject matter experts to enable critical decision-making.
  • Collaborate with Mission Operations Engineering on launch sequence adjustments and anomaly resolution.
  • Drive continuous improvement of launch day concept of operations to increase efficiency and mission success.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations, launch systems, or related aerospace field.
  • Experience in vehicle automation, telemetry analysis, and operational command and control.
  • Experience operating and troubleshooting high pressure fluid systems or cryogenic systems.
  • Experience operating and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or avionics systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in high-stakes, real-time environments.
  • Excellent communication skills to interact with multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 10+ years experience in mission operations, launch systems, or related aerospace field.
  • Expertise in reusable launch systems.
  • Familiarity with mission control software and systems integration.
  • Experience developing launch commit criteria and real-time response protocols.

Compensation

Salary ranges by level:

  • Level 3: $123,000 - $184,400
  • Level 4: $144,100 - $240,100
  • Level 5: $168,100 - $312,200

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits

  • Stock options for all regular, full-time employees.
  • Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with employer match.
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off.
  • 10 paid holidays including end-of-year closure.
  • Paid Family and Parental Leave.
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend depending on location.

ITAR and Work Authorization

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of background checks, proof of identity, work authorization, and completion of Form I-9.