Mechanical Design Manager - Nova Stage 1 Aft

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager - Nova Stage 1 Aft

Company: Stoke Space

Location: Kent, Washington

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Mechanical Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of critical structural and mechanical systems for a fully reusable launch vehicle.

• Provide technical leadership for primary and secondary structure design and analysis, ensuring robust load paths for the aft end.

• Own the build and integration of complex aft-end fluid and avionics systems, including cryogenic propellant management and high-pressure gas systems.

• Drive technical roadmap definition, standards creation, and mentorship for a team of mechanical and structures design engineers.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and technicians, with opportunities for hands-on fabrication and assembly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the highly specialized and rapidly evolving aerospace sector, specifically focusing on launch vehicle development. The "Nova Stage 1 Aft" designation indicates a critical component responsible for propulsion, structural integrity, and potentially control systems at the base of the first stage of the rocket. The emphasis on "daily flight" and "rapidly reusable" highlights a focus on high-cadence operations and robust design for repeated use, demanding a strong emphasis on reliability, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness in all engineering decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute the technical roadmap for aft-end structural and mechanical design, encompassing current and future vehicle iterations.

• Lead the end-to-end execution of structures and mechanical designs, from initial concept through release, build, testing, and integration onto the vehicle.

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance for primary and secondary structure design and rigorous analysis.

• Define, optimize, and validate structural load paths to ensure the integrity of the aft-end of the launch vehicle under extreme operational conditions.

• Oversee the seamless integration of fluid systems hardware (e.g., propellant lines, valves, regulators) with the primary vehicle structures.

• Develop and enforce technical standards, best practices, and design guides for space vehicle structural and mechanical design within the organization.

• Recruit, grow, and mentor a high-performing team of mechanical and structures design engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

• Provide direct technical coaching and development to junior engineers and interns in areas such as structural mechanics, design for manufacturability, and space vehicle qualification processes.

• Determine the appropriate level of analytical rigor for engineering problems, ranging from hand calculations to complex multi-physics finite element simulations, and guide team execution accordingly.

• Cultivate and maintain a team culture characterized by unwavering integrity, paramount reliability, and a commitment to fast, iterative development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of technical oversight and people management. The explicit mention of "owning hardware projects from requirements definition, through development, design, analysis, build, test, integration onto the vehicle, and flight" signifies a full product lifecycle ownership model. The expectation to "pick up a wrench" underscores the hands-on, "roll-up-your-sleeves" culture often found in early-stage aerospace companies, where engineers are deeply involved in the physical realization of their designs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in aerospace structures and mechanical design, with a proven track record in the design, build, and rigorous testing of space vehicle systems.

• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience leading and managing a team of engineering professionals.

• Demonstrated experience in designing, building, and successfully testing structures that have been integrated and flown on aerospace vehicles. Required Skills:

• Exceptional command of fundamental principles in structural design, including statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and design for manufacturing (DFM).

• Demonstrated proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with a strong preference for Siemens NX.

• Proven ability in structural and mechanical analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, with a strong preference for ANSYS.

• Experience with technical mentoring and the professional development of junior engineers and interns.

• Solid project management experience, including the development and tracking of resource-loaded schedules and milestones.

• Hands-on experience with the fabrication and assembly of mechanical and structural components.

• Proficiency in relevant software tools, including but not limited to NX, ANSYS, Python, MATLAB, and Microsoft Excel.

• Familiarity with the unique challenges and requirements of launch vehicle design. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with cryogenic propellant systems and their associated management challenges.

• Experience with thrust vector control (TVC) systems.

• Familiarity with space vehicle qualification processes and standards.

• Experience with avionics system integration within structural components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with structures that have flown is a critical differentiator, indicating a need for candidates who have moved beyond theoretical design into proven, flight-ready hardware. The preference for specific software like NX and ANSYS suggests these are core tools within Stoke Space's engineering workflow, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency. The inclusion of "Python, Matlab, Excel" points to a need for data analysis, scripting, and potentially automation skills beyond pure CAD/FEA.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Detailed case studies showcasing the end-to-end design, analysis, and build process for significant aerospace structural or mechanical components.

• Examples demonstrating the application of fundamental engineering principles (statics, dynamics, strength of materials) to solve complex design challenges.

• Documentation of analytical methodologies used, including justification for FEA model complexity and validation techniques.

• Evidence of design for manufacturing (DFM) considerations and how they were integrated into the design process.

• Visual representations (drawings, renderings, photos of hardware) of completed projects, highlighting successful integration and assembly. Process Documentation:

• Examples of structured design documentation, including requirements traceability, design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR), and release packages.

• Documentation illustrating the integration of fluid systems with structural components, including P&IDs or similar schematics.

• Evidence of process optimization efforts, such as improvements in design cycle time, cost reduction, or performance enhancement.

• Records of testing procedures, results, and post-test analysis, demonstrating a rigorous approach to validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed examples of projects where they were instrumental in bringing a mechanical or structural design from concept to a tangible, tested component. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a systematic engineering process, clear technical decision-making, and quantifiable results, especially concerning structural integrity and system functionality under demanding conditions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620 USD per year

• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105 USD per year

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges reflect the specified Level 3 and Level 4 designations. The broader range for Level 4 ($151,305 to $252,105) suggests significant variability based on the depth and breadth of a candidate's experience, leadership impact, and specific technical expertise relevant to Stoke Space's immediate needs. The company's approach of assessing candidates individually for the appropriate level indicates a flexible compensation strategy that prioritizes matching the candidate's qualifications to the role's demands. For Kent, Washington, these ranges are competitive for experienced engineering management roles in the aerospace sector, aligning with industry benchmarks for a high-cost-of-living area with a strong aerospace presence.

Benefits:

• Equity: Stock options offered to all regular, full-time employees, providing a stake in the company's future success.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance. Company-paid life and disability insurance.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with an employer match to support long-term financial planning.

• Time Off: Generous 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually.

• Holidays: 10 paid holidays, including a company-wide closure at the end of the year.

• Family Support: Paid Family/Parental Leave to support employees during significant life events.

• Perks: On-site gym access or a monthly wellness stipend (location-dependent). Dog-friendly offices, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time engineering roles. The emphasis on "fast iteration" and "hands-on" work suggests a culture that values dedication and may involve periods of intense focus, but the core expectation is a standard professional schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on long-term incentives (equity, 401k match) and employee well-being (comprehensive health insurance, generous PTO, family leave). The "dog-friendly offices" and wellness stipends are indicative of a modern, employee-centric workplace culture common in tech and aerospace startups.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace / Space Technology / Reusable Launch Vehicles

Company Size: Privately held, early-to-growth stage startup (implied by the need for hands-on leadership and rapid iteration). The exact employee count isn't provided, but the focus on building a team and developing significant hardware suggests a company that has secured funding and is scaling its engineering and production capabilities.

Founded: Stoke Space was founded with a mission to enable a thriving space economy through daily flight and rapid reusability. The company's ethos is built around innovation, sustainability, and creating a more accessible future in space.

Team Structure:

• The Mechanical Design Manager will lead a team of Responsible Engineers focused on the aft-end structures and mechanical systems of the Nova launch vehicle.

• This team likely includes specialists in primary structures, secondary structures, fluid systems integration, and potentially thermal management or mechanism design.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving teams responsible for propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, test, and flight operations.

• The reporting structure likely places this role under a Director or VP of Engineering, with direct interaction with senior leadership given the critical nature of the position. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Analysis: Emphasis on rigorous engineering analysis (FEA, hand calcs) supported by data, leading to designs that are validated through testing.

• Iterative Development: A culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement to achieve performance and reliability goals quickly, especially critical for a reusable vehicle.

• Hands-On Engineering: Engineers are expected to be deeply involved in the physical realization of their designs, bridging the gap between the drawing board and the build floor.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Breaking down silos between design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing to ensure holistic problem-solving and efficient integration.

Company Website: stokespace.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As an early-stage, high-growth aerospace company, Stoke Space likely fosters an environment of intense focus, rapid problem-solving, and a shared sense of mission. Engineers will likely experience a high degree of autonomy and ownership, alongside the pressure to deliver critical hardware for a groundbreaking project. The "dog-friendly" perk suggests an effort to create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere within a demanding industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant leadership position within the mechanical engineering discipline, bridging experienced individual contributor (IC) expertise with people management. It's a critical juncture for engineers looking to transition into or solidify their management careers while staying deeply connected to technical challenges. The role requires not just technical depth but also the ability to scale solutions and develop talent.

Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Design Manager will report to a senior engineering leader (e.g., Director or VP of Engineering) and will manage a team of specialized engineers. This position requires effective communication and collaboration with peers in other engineering disciplines (propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, test) and potentially with program management and executive leadership.

Operations Impact: The aft-end structure and mechanical systems are foundational to the Nova launch vehicle's performance, safety, and reusability. The success of this role directly impacts the vehicle's ability to withstand launch stresses, manage propellants efficiently, integrate with the upper stages, and survive re-entry and landing. Therefore, this role has a profound impact on Stoke Space's ability to achieve its mission of daily, cost-effective space access.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced structural mechanics, cryogenic fluid systems, or launch vehicle integration, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Chief Engineer roles.

• Leadership Progression: Advance into higher levels of engineering management, overseeing broader teams or multiple vehicle systems, or transitioning into program management.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to propulsion systems, avionics, manufacturing processes, and flight operations, broadening overall aerospace engineering acumen.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop strong leadership and coaching skills, contributing to the growth of the next generation of aerospace engineers.

• Direct Impact on Innovation: Play a key role in shaping the design and development of a novel, rapidly reusable launch vehicle, contributing to significant advancements in the space industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a compelling path for experienced mechanical engineers who want to blend technical leadership with team development. The opportunity to work on a cutting-edge reusable launch vehicle provides significant learning and growth potential, especially given the company's ambitious goals. The dual focus on technical roadmap ownership and team mentorship is a strong indicator of career progression opportunities within Stoke Space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Kent, Washington, indicating a need for close proximity to design, fabrication, and assembly facilities. This suggests a collaborative environment where engineers work closely with technicians and manufacturing personnel.

Office Location(s): Kent, Washington, part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area, which is a hub for aerospace engineering and technology companies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Spaces: Expect shared workspaces or open-plan offices designed to facilitate communication and spontaneous problem-solving among engineering teams.

• Access to Tools & Technology: Engineers will have access to industry-standard CAD/CAE software (NX, ANSYS), potentially alongside rapid prototyping equipment and testing facilities.

• Direct Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with fabrication teams, technicians, and other engineering disciplines on the shop floor, fostering a practical, hands-on approach.

• Dynamic Startup Pace: The environment is likely fast-paced, with a focus on agility and rapid execution.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of launch vehicle development may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or testing campaigns. Flexibility and dedication are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for direct interaction with hardware, manufacturing, and testing. This is typical for roles involving the physical development and integration of complex systems like launch vehicles, where immediate feedback loops between design and reality are essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess foundational qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, CAD/FEA proficiency, and experience with aerospace systems. Expect questions probing your understanding of fundamental engineering principles and practical application.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: An evaluation of your leadership style, team management experience, mentoring capabilities, and ability to foster a positive team culture. This may involve behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate within the broader engineering organization.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Engineering) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit with the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in aerospace structures, mechanical design, and leadership. Prioritize projects with tangible outcomes and flight heritage if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific contributions, the engineering methods used (design, analysis, testing), key challenges encountered, innovative solutions, and measurable results (e.g., weight savings, strength improvements, successful integration).

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Showcase your understanding of design processes (requirements, concept selection, detailed design, verification) and analytical methodologies (FEA setup, validation, interpretation).

• Highlight Leadership: If presenting team-led projects, clearly define your role as a manager and mentor. Discuss how you guided the team, resolved conflicts, and fostered development.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, analytical approaches, and problem-solving strategies. Be ready to defend your choices with sound engineering principles.

• Visual Aids are Key: Use clear diagrams, CAD models, analysis plots, and photos of hardware to illustrate your points effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common engineering challenges, such as optimizing a structural component for weight and strength, troubleshooting an integration issue, or managing conflicting design requirements.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss situations where you had to motivate a team, handle underperformance, or navigate difficult stakeholder relationships.

• Strategic Thinking: Consider how you would contribute to the overall technical roadmap for the aft-end systems and how you would prioritize engineering efforts within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and practical application suggests that Stoke Space values demonstrable engineering competence and problem-solving skills over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should meticulously prepare their project presentations, focusing on quantifiable achievements and a clear demonstration of their technical and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Siemens NX (preferred) - Essential for 3D modeling, part design, assembly, and potentially mold design or CAM integration.

• Analysis Software: ANSYS (preferred) - Crucial for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of structures, thermal analysis, and potentially fluid dynamics simulations.

• Scripting/Data Analysis: Python, MATLAB - Used for automation of design tasks, data processing, post-processing of analysis results, and creating custom analysis tools.

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Excel (for data management, calculations, and reporting), potentially Microsoft Project for scheduling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to use analysis software outputs (ANSYS) and scripting (Python/MATLAB) for performance metrics.

• Reporting will likely involve generating clear, concise summaries and presentations of analysis results and design justifications. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this engineering management role, but understanding how design data integrates into broader PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Siemens NX and ANSYS is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level, specific modules used, and types of analyses performed. The inclusion of Python and MATLAB indicates a need for engineers who can leverage computational tools to enhance efficiency and analytical depth.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Reliability: A fundamental commitment to honesty, accuracy, and building systems that perform as intended, especially critical in aerospace where failures can be catastrophic.

• Fast Iteration & Agility: Embracing a culture of rapid development, learning from mistakes quickly, and adapting to new information or challenges with speed.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where engineers work together, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: A willingness to get involved directly in the engineering and manufacturing processes to understand and resolve issues effectively.

• Mission-Driven Focus: A shared dedication to Stoke Space's ambitious goals of enabling a sustainable space economy through reusable launch vehicles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and test engineering teams, requiring clear communication and mutual respect.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback, with an emphasis on constructive dialogue to drive improvements.

• Shared Ownership: A culture where team members feel a collective responsibility for the success of the vehicle and the company.

• Proactive Engagement: Engineers are encouraged to identify potential issues and opportunities proactively and engage with relevant stakeholders to address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of rigorous engineering discipline and the dynamic, adaptive nature of a fast-growing startup. The emphasis on integrity, reliability, and hands-on problem-solving, combined with a collaborative and mission-driven approach, defines the expected environment for engineers at Stoke Space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Designing and integrating complex structural and fluid systems for a high-performance, reusable launch vehicle presents significant engineering hurdles, especially concerning cryogenic propellants and high-stress environments.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Balancing the need for speed and iteration with the imperative for safety, reliability, and rigorous validation in aerospace.

• Team Scaling: Growing and managing a team effectively while maintaining high standards and fostering a cohesive culture in a fast-paced environment.

• Integration with Novel Technologies: Working with cutting-edge propulsion and vehicle systems that may not have established precedents, requiring innovative solutions.

• Hands-On Demands: The expectation of hands-on involvement in fabrication and assembly requires engineers to be comfortable and proficient in practical, physical work alongside their design responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, cryogenic systems, design for reusability, and advanced analysis techniques.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship in managing engineering teams, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

• Exposure to Full Vehicle Lifecycle: Gaining comprehensive experience across all phases of launch vehicle development, from concept to flight.

• Industry Networking: Working alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic and growing sector of the aerospace industry.

• Contribution to Innovation: Being part of a company developing groundbreaking technology with the potential to significantly impact the future of space exploration and commerce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working on ambitious, first-of-their-kind aerospace projects. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide immense growth opportunities, both technically and professionally, for individuals in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex structural or mechanical system you designed and led the development of for an aerospace application. What were the key challenges, your approach to problem-solving, and the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating technical depth, leadership, and process rigor).

• "How do you balance the need for rapid iteration and fast development cycles with the stringent requirements for safety and reliability in aerospace engineering?" (Assess understanding of risk management and engineering judgment).

• "Walk me through your process for mentoring junior engineers. How do you foster their technical growth and ensure they are contributing effectively to team goals?" (Evaluate leadership and people development skills).

• "Imagine a critical integration issue arises between the aft-end structures and the propulsion system just before a major test. How would you lead your team to diagnose and resolve this problem under pressure?" (Test problem-solving under duress and cross-functional collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically about Stoke Space's mission and the Nova vehicle resonates with you and your career aspirations?" (Gauge alignment with company vision and passion for the industry).

• "How would you foster a culture of integrity and reliability within your engineering team, especially when facing tight deadlines?" (Assess understanding of company values and their practical application).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. What are the key differences compared to larger, more established organizations?" (Evaluate adaptability and cultural fit). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of the project and its significance. Then, detail the problem, your specific contributions, the design/analysis process, key technical decisions, challenges, solutions, and measurable results. Conclude with lessons learned.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible (e.g., percentage of weight saved, stress reduction achieved, number of iterations, successful test parameters met).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize visuals (CAD models, FEA plots, photos of hardware, diagrams) to illustrate your points effectively. Be prepared to navigate through your models or analysis results if required.

• Highlight Leadership: If presenting a team project, clearly delineate your role as a leader and mentor. Discuss how you delegated tasks, provided guidance, and managed team dynamics.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, analytical assumptions, and the trade-offs you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in a highly practical, results-oriented manner. Demonstrating both strong technical acumen and effective leadership, particularly in a hands-on, fast-paced environment, will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mechanical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stoke Space careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in aerospace structures, mechanical design, team leadership, CAD/FEA proficiency (mentioning NX and ANSYS specifically), and any flight-proven hardware development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and experience with aerospace systems. Prepare concise, visually engaging presentations for each.

• Prepare for Technical & Leadership Interviews: Review fundamental principles of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and design for manufacturing. Prepare examples of your leadership style, mentoring experiences, and problem-solving approaches in challenging situations.

• Research Stoke Space: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, the Nova vehicle, and its place in the evolving space industry. Understand their focus on reusability and daily flight.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.