Sr. Stress Engineer

The Senior Stress Engineers will support both vehicle design/build and flight test operations directly, via hands on assessment and analytical substantiation of vehicles in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

Persons in this role will be involved in both build and vehicle operations phases of programs. Stress Engineers will interface and collaborate with varied other disciplines, including but not limited to: Structures Design, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support. Senior Stress Engineers will be able to function both independently and as part of a team in support of their tasking.

Responsibilities:

• Performs structural analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components, assemblies, and systems
• Reviews, updates, and creates engineering analytical definition of said components and assemblies (analysis documentation)
• Develops and/or utilizes finite element models (global and discrete) 
• Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design
• Supports review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and load requirements
• Supports the creation of structural component and system test plans which will be used to verify manufacturing and testing
• Develops standardized analysis criteria and templates
• Mentorship of more junior team members  
• May be tasked with leading small teams of engineers through projects / assignments 

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline
• Minimum 8 years’ prior experience in structural analysis of aerospace structure
• Solid understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths.
• Knowledge creating and questioning FEA models, including pre and post processing of NASTRAN models and associated sizing of structure and system components 
• Strong teamwork and coordination skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of tools, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience with FEMAP is a strong plus
• Knowledge of and / or experience with Fatigue & Damage Tolerance analysis is a strong plus
• Prior experience performing liaison / MRB activities in aerospace stress applications is a plus
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems, such as Oracle is a plus
• Experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA is highly desired

#LI-AB1

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.