Sr. Engineer, SIM & GNC (Flight Controls)

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated engineer with aircraft systems modelling and GNC experience. You will work in a small team within the Flight Controls Department. The focus of the role is supporting the team developing the piloted simulator, as well as using the piloted simulation to investigate design choices. You will collaborate with aerodynamics engineers, flight test engineers, mechanical systems engineers, and pilots. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience with simulation and aerospace vehicle control systems.

Responsibilities:

• Perform system identification on various aircraft systems to accurately model in Simulink.
• Integrate new models and model updates into an existing sophisticated model, validating that the update is behaving as expected.
• Diagnose and resolve simulation issues.  May involve aerodynamics, mass properties, flight controls, interfaces, etc.
• Participate in planning and execution of handling quality evaluations.
• Develop analysis tools in MATLAB to support design and flight test data analysis.
• Develop new features for pilot training and evaluation.

Educational Requirements:

• Must have a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering discipline from an accredited university.  M.S. degree or higher preferred.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience with modelling actuators, controllers, electrical systems, 6DOF, etc.
• Intuitive level understanding of flight control systems and fixed-wing aircraft dynamics
• MATLAB and Simulink in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of classical control theory and modern control theory.
• Familiar with embedded C programming and git version control.
• Flight test or pilot experience beneficial.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $105,700.00–$161,200.00. 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 transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. 

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, 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.