Sr. Eng, Mass Properties & Flight Sciences

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Sr. Mass Properties and Flight Sciences Engineer to join our Operations team.  This engineering position will use 3Dx, CATIA, Excel, Matlab, and other tools to determine mass, inertia, center of gravity (CG), and aerodynamic loading of the flight vehicles.  This role will develop tools and processes to automate this analysis.  Focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. 

You will be creating innovative designs and problem resolution that meet our demanding requirements through prototyping, hands-on design and working directly with out technicians on the vehicles as part of our standard practice

Responsibilities

• Selects appropriate methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to resolve complex engineering issues.
• Anticipates and resolves issues by developing standards and guidelines for diverse engineering activities.
• Solves problems with a balance of technical product, cost, and schedule.
• Determines technical objectives of assignments and makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related spacecraft innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of product.  
• Understands loads and aerodynamic effects on the continually changing loads on a composite aircraft, maintain and operate our stand-alone flight dynamic loads analysis tool to be used after each flight to ensure flight loads stay within the limits of the inspection criteria for the aircraft.
• Acts as the in-house operational expert on Aerodynamic changes to the aircraft due to repairs/modifications and damage that may occur in commercial operations.

• Demonstrates flexibility in your design philosophy to quickly pivot between solutions to support turn times and commercial goals.
• Practices safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Works collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.  

Required Skills and Experience

• B. S. Degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering or related discipline and/or combination of education and work experience is required.
• At least 8 (eight) years of aircraft or spacecraft Mass Properties and Aerodynamics Engineering experience. Some of the experience may be supported by CAD-based design experience.
• Working knowledge of aircraft and space systems and familiarity with relevant aerospace standards (FAA, FAA‐AST etc).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel, Catia V5, Matlab and computer programming capability.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree is desirable.
• Experience with vehicle instrumentation for flight test and health monitoring a plus.
• Experience with composite vehicles is a plus.
• Experience with schematics in Microsoft Vision is a plus.
• Strong mechanical attitude working with kinematic models and flight hardware, hands on work, related hobbies a plus.

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00–$166,036.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. 

Export Requirements 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace.  All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing. 

Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge.  This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.