Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller

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. We are seeking an experienced Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller with a focus on launch automation, launch vehicle systems, and software for our Nova launch vehicle. In this critical role, you will develop launch day concept of operations, automation systems, coordinate with engineering teams, and ensure a seamless transition from ground operations through launch, flight, and handoff to orbital or recovery operations. This role will be well served by someone who is an expert in 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 and streamline test and launch day processes. Work closely with Vehicle RE’s to ensure that software is enabling test and launch operations for the integrated vehicle. Operate and build systems that monitor telemetry from the Nova launch vehicle and assess real-time launch commit criteria. Work with Kent, Moses Lake and Launch Site teams to streamline integrated vehicle testing as a continuation into Launch Site processing and Launch Operations. Aggregate and synthesize engineering inputs from subject matter experts to enable and inform critical decision-making. Collaborate closely with Mission Operations Engineering, advising on launch sequence adjustments and anomaly resolution when needed. Drive the continuous improvement of launch day CONOPS to increase operational efficiency and mission success. Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a 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, especially in high-stakes, real-time environments. Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance under pressure. Preferred Qualifications: 10+ Years experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field. Expertise in reusable launch systems. Familiarity with mission control software and systems integration. Experience in developing launch commit criteria and real-time response protocols 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) Compensation Target Levels: Level 3 range: $123,000 - $184,400 Level 4 range: $144,100 - $240,100 Level 5 range: $168,100 - $312,200 Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions abou