Test Ops Lead - Nova Stage 1 & 2
Stoke Space
| Company | Stoke Space |
| Category | Operations & Admin |
| Location | Moses Lake |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Lead |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 17 Apr 2026 |
| Last verified | 3 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
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. Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A key ingredient to making reusable systems is the ability to test hardware quickly. As the Vehicle Test Operations Lead at our Moses Lake Test Site, you will be responsible for managing the team that builds and operates the vehicle test facilities at the test site. This includes vehicle component testing as well as integrated vehicle testing. You will need to ensure safe and reliable operation while pushing to find ways to move quickly and simplify. You will aid in iterating on vehicle design, providing feedback that will be critical to designing a rocket that can operate at a high cadence. You will work with hardware and software, mechanical systems and electrical systems. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.
Minimum Qualifications
Exceptional command of fundamentals
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
5+ years experience with rocket test operations, including on-console engineering support
2+ years experience as a team lead or people manager
Experience designing fluid systems such as: P&ID creation, line sizing and component specification, hazard analysis, CAD modeling
Hands-on experience building and integrating mechanical and electronic systems
Experience writing and operating test procedures
Experience writing and running automation for ground and vehicle systems
Experience with high pressure or hazardous environments
Experience with real-time and post-test data analysis
Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting mechanical fluid components such as: cryogenic and high pressure valves, pressure regulators, pumps, relief valves
Detailed knowledge of and experience troubleshooting instrumentation such as: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, silicon diodes, flow meters, high-speed pressure sensors, accelerometers
Willing to work outdoors for long periods of time
Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Passion for building something with high quality, willing to attend work with a positive and humble attitude, and willing to take ownership of large and small tasks to help the team be successful
Excellent written and verbal communication
Willing to relocate to Moses Lake, WA
Responsibilities
Managing and/or personally executing the design and build of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications
Managing and/or personally executing the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications
Creating sustainable engineering processes
Managing project schedules
Managing project budgets
Ensuring high uptime and reliability of the test stands
Ensuring safe operation of high pressure, cryogenic, and other hazardous environments
Performing people management responsibilities such as: regular check-ins, mentorship and coaching, providing feedback, performance reviews
As part of a small team, you will also perform everyday tasks to keep the site running (shipping and receiving, administrative tasks, etc.)
Benefits
Equity – We are pleased to offer equity in the form of sto