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Recovery Engineer

STOKE Space Technologies

STOKE Space Technologies

Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
USD 129,150-327,810 / year + Equity
Posted on Feb 11, 2026

At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.

Description

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust recovery system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a recovery engineer, you will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and operating new recovery systems from scratch. You will be responsible for all phases of the product lifecycle including architecture definition, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

  • Develop launch vehicle recovery concept of operations
  • Develop ocean and land-based recovery architecture, including engineering trade studies of various landing platform architectures (flat deck, pontoon, jack-up, semi-submersible)
  • Develop requirements & specifications for purchased or leased assets including barges, support vessels, and crew vessels
  • Design, engineer, build, inspect, manage, and commission recovery platform systems including mechanical, electrical, fluids, and control systems
  • Develop portside real property strategy including sourcing options for mooring, dry docking, and staging
  • Coordinate across multi-discipline engineering and operations across Florida and Washington
  • Develop an innate understanding of the Nova launch vehicle and ensure recovery systems enable rapid return-to-launch

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in a related role engineering, building, and/or operating high-performing systems in the maritime industry or in a similar high-performance industry (aerospace, oil & gas, heavy equipment, energy systems, amusement parks)
  • Bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or similar field.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (naval architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, fluids, and/or software)
  • Familiarity with Lloyd’s Register and/or American Bureau of Shipping
  • Proficient with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferred)
  • Familiarity with flag state of vessels, including registration, licensing, documentation, inspections requirements, safety regulations, and maritime regulations.
  • Proven hands-on experience building, operating, or troubleshooting complex systems
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time
  • Ability to prioritize and execute
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Willing and able to travel and work in various environments (indoor, outdoor, & marine environments)
  • Willingness and ability to travel, including internationally, and TDY (Temporary Duty) from days to weeks offshore
  • Ability to pass USSF background check for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Ability to hold and maintain a TWIC card

Preferred Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in a related role engineering, building, and/or operating high-performing systems in the maritime industry or in a similar high-performance industry (aerospace, oil & gas, heavy equipment, energy systems, amusement parks)
  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 range requirements as well as DoD explosive siting for launch vehicle programs
  • Experience working with U.S. Coast Guard and Port Authorities
  • Master’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or similar field

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
  • Level 5 Range: $176,505 - $327,810

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.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.