Launch Engineer - Instrumentation and Controls

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

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space.  A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system.  As an instrumentation and controls engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for developing and commissioning a new launch pad from scratch.  You will be responsible for all phases of the product lifecycle including schematic definition, component selection, detailed electrical design, component procurement, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operations.  As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles.  You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. 

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, install, test, and troubleshoot physical electrical ground support equipment for the launch site and ocean recovery platform
• Design and implement command and control systems for industrial monitoring and automation applications, integrating 4-20mA analog sensors, load cells, accelerometers, and associated instrumentation
• Implement comprehensive grounding and bonding schemes to ensure electrical safety, minimize ground loops, and reduce electromagnetic interference in multi-sensor installations
• Specify and select appropriate data acquisition hardware, including analog-to-digital converters, signal isolators, and communication interfaces for sensor integration
• Develop signal conditioning and acquisition circuits for 4-20mA current loop sensors, ensuring proper impedance matching, noise immunity, and measurement accuracy across operating temperature ranges
• Create electrical and instrumentation schematics
• Install, test, and troubleshoot data acquisition system hardware
• Design, build, and install supporting hardware including enclosures, panels, junction boxes, and convenance systems for end devices
• Ensure supporting network infrastructure is correctly specified and installed to interface with DAQ hardware
• Work hands-on with I&C technicians and provide technical field support for install, testing, troubleshooting, and operations
• Provide technical guidance and support to technicians and engineers
• Diagnose and resolve issues with instrumentation and control systems

Qualifications  

• 2+ years of professional experience performing design, engineering, install, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems, automation systems, and/or data acquisition systems
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics engineering, or a related computer or engineering degree
• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals
• Ability to diagnose and resolve issues with electrical systems, instrumentation systems, and control systems
• Familiarity with electrical and instrumentation standards including NFPA 70 (NEC), NEC Article 250, and ISA series of standards
• Hands-on experience with multimeters, clamp meters, oscilloscopes, megohmmeters, ground resistance testers, and/or loop impedance testers
• Proficient with 2D CAD software and Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Visio
• Willing and able to travel and work in various environments (indoor, outdoor, & marine environments)
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to pass USSF background check for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL

Preferred Qualifications 

• 5+ years of professional experience performing design, engineering, install, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems, automation systems, and/or data acquisition systems
• Graduate degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics engineering, or a related computer or engineering degree
• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 range requirements as well as DoD explosive siting requirements for launch vehicle programs
• Programming experience (Python or Rust preferred)
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license

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 - $252,1053

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.

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.