Fluids Engineering Manager - Nova Stage 1 & 2

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 a Fluids Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and operations of fluids systems for Nova’s first and second stages. This is a highly impactful role where you will guide a team of engineers through complex technical challenges, from early conceptual design, through manufacturing, integration, testing, and ultimately through flight operations. The qualified candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working hands-on, and consistently applies first-principles and system-level thinking to solve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical roadmap for stage fluids design on current and future vehicles
• Lead the execution of fluids designs from concept through release, build, testing, and vehicle-level operations
• Hire, grow, and mentor a team of fluids engineers
• Provide technical coaching in areas such as structures, fluids, thermodynamics, and rocket operations
• Maintain a culture of integrity, reliability, and fast iteration

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design, build, and/or testing of rocket fluids systems, rocket engines, and valves
• 1+ years of experience leading a team of engineers
• Project management experience including developing budgets and schedules, and managing resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• A proven ability to mentor and coach
• Mastery of fundamentals, including compressible flow, thermodynamics, structures, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Proficiency with understanding and maintaining revision-controlled P&ID’s
• Proficiency with relevant analysis tools (ANSYS, Python, REFPROP, Excel, Matlab, or equivalent)
• Hands on experience performing fabrication and assembly of components
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
• Willing to relocate to Seattle, WA

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 Im