Entry Level Hardware Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

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.
Currently a Level I but ready for the next step? We want builders who want to grow. Stoke Space will pay for the training and testing required to get you to Level II!
Stoke Space is building a fully reusable orbital launch system by re-thinking how spacecraft are designed, built, and inspected from first principles. As a key member of our Assembly team, you will be a frontline guardian of quality and reliability, responsible for performing critical eddy current inspections on flight-critical hardware. Your meticulous work will directly ensure the safety and integrity of our vehicle. Success in this role requires more than just technical skill; it demands a mindset of extreme ownership, the ability to break down complex problems into their fundamental elements, and an unwavering commitment to quality. You must be agile, focused, and ready to learn on the fly in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where trust and honesty are fundamental.
Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate equipment to perform Eddy-Current inspections on flight-critical hardware- including welds, tubes, and complex machined components- in accordance with industry standards and internal procedures.
• Interpret, evaluate, and disposition inspection results against engineering drawings and acceptance criteria, creating detailed and accurate reports to document all findings.
• Collaborate directly with engineering, manufacturing, and welding teams to schedule inspections, clearly communicate findings, and provide feedback on hardware quality.
• Assist in developing, refining, and validating NDT procedures and inspection techniques, particularly for new products and complex geometries.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Level I technicians and trainees to support team development and ensure consistent quality.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by staying current with industry advancements and assisting in the research of new inspection capabilities.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be certified Level II NDT inspector in line with ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in Eddy Current(ET) OR an experienced Level I. (Stoke Space will pay for the training and testing required to get you to Level II!)
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Strong understanding of relevant industry standards, such as AWS D17.1.
• Exceptional communication skills, a high degree of ownership over your work, and a strong commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional NDT Level II or III certifications in methods such as Radiography (RT), Visual (VT), or Penetrant (PT).
• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Experience performing inspections within the aerospace industry, particularly on weldments and advanced materials (e.g., superalloys, titanium, high-strength aluminum).
• Knowledge of additional aerospace standards (e.g., NASA, AMS, ASME).
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and formal problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, PPS).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with NDT-specific software.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet minimum vision requirements, including 20/25 (Snellen) at 16" or equivalent.
• Must be willing to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.

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:

• Entry-Level / Junior: $26.25 - $38.52
• Intermediate:$32.11 - $48.16
• Senior: $40.13 - $60.17

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.
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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 backgroundchecks, 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 careers@stokespace.com. 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.