Sr. Structures Design Engineer

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Sr. Structures Design Engineer eager to participate in innovative/unique aerospace vehicle design activities.  The responsibilities will range from early concept and development, through full production, life cycle and sustainment.  The primary tasks involve developing engineering definition for system components and assemblies while optimizing for operation, maintenance, and commercial service. 

Position Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs of aircraft/spacecraft structural configuration layouts by:
  • Creating components or portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and support manufacturing operations.
  • Integrating vehicle systems.
  • Creating and releasing detailed 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and drawings.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity. 
• Work independently and demonstrate conformity to industry and company standards, tolerances, weight and cost targets.
• Coordinate with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles.
• Support production and operations teams to ensure vehicle readiness for flight. This includes involvement in fabrication, implementation, and MRB activities.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of design practices, procedures, and technologies.
• Assist authoring various manuals/templates such as design standard and best practices, procedures, and processes.
• Mentor and participate in knowledge transfer/training of teammates.
• Provide design engineering support by answering questions and requests from internal or external customers.
• Prepare clear and concise reports that collect, analyze, and summarize information.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 9+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with a strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered.
• Knowledge of aircraft structural design and familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components.
• Prior work experience designing aircraft/spacecraft primary and secondary structures. 
• Prior work experience designing for vehicle systems integration accommodation.
• Significant experience using CAD software and composite workbenches to design aircraft/spacecraft structures and components.
• Experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5, functional tolerancing, drawing creation, assembly tolerance stack-up analysis.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software), requirements management tools, and configuration management.
• Proficiency in MS Office, technical writing skills, the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders.
• A high degree of autonomy, ability to work quickly and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment as part of a team or individually.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar from an accredited institution.
• Experience with CATIA V5 and/or CATIA 3DX.
• Experience with CATIA V5 CPD (Composite Part Design) and/or FiberSIM.
• Knowledge of composite aircraft structural design and familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components.
• Prior work experience designing bonded composite structures.
• 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.
• Familiarity with MRB tasks associated with dispositioning non-conformant metallic and composite components resulting from manufacturing, assembly, or field operations.

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.