Launch Technician - Ground Operations

Job Posting

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. Highly operable, reliable, and robust ground systems are an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a technician for our Ground Station Operations team, you will lead the buildout and deployment of mobile RF ground stations across North America. This role combines mechanical and electrical integration, field deployment, site coordination, and operational support for our distributed ground station network. Our unique design, build, & operations approach requires individuals to be well versed in a variety of construction and manufacturing processes. We are seeking motivated individuals to draw on their prior experience and teamwork to collaborate with engineers and the technician team to build, assemble, commission, and operate ground station systems. You will use your resourcefulness and communication skills to identify and solve issues real-time, working as a high-functioning individual and an integrated team member. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and operate ground station equipment based on written and verbal instructions, work orders, technical drawings, CAD models, and procedures.
• Oversee site preparation, system commissioning and activation of ground station installations at remote locations
• Document system configurations and maintain deployment site records
• Conduct preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of ground station systems in the field
• Train deployment teams on system operation and basic troubleshooting
• Provide feedback to engineering teams to improve manufacturability, integration flow, tooling, and documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, mechanical, or construction environments.
• Willing to travel to other sites as needed (~40% to Kent/Moses Lake)
• Knowledge of building, assembling, testing, and operating mechanical, hydraulic, and/or electrical systems.
• Skilled in handling delicate and high-value assemblies.
• Experience in operating heavy equipment including reach-lifts and aerial lifts.
• Ability to operate with a high level of ownership, urgency, and attention to detail in a development-focused production environment.
• Ability to maintain strong configuration control and workmanship standards
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs. unassisted.
• Able to stand for extended periods.
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain & maintain military installation access including DBIDS.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RF systems, antennas, or ground station equipment
• Background in telecommunications or satellite communications systems
• Experience with site acquisition, lease negotiations, or property agreements
• Project management experience coordinating contractors and vendors
• Familiarity with solar power systems or alternative energy solutions
• Experience training technical or non-technical personnel
• Knowledge of relevant safety standards and regulations (electrical codes, FCC regulations, etc.)
• Experience working with remote monitoring and management systems
• CAD software experience (electrical or mechanical)
• Prior military or field service engineering experience

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: $40.13 - $60.17
• Level 4 Range: $49.02 - $73.55

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 [email protected]. 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.