Sr. Engineer

As a Materials and Processes Engineer with a focus on Composite Materials, you will be responsible for the development and improvement of materials and process specifications to consistently produce components with predictable performance as determined by qualification testing. When exceptions to the defined processes arise, you will provide Quality and Manufacturing with your technical opinion on the impact of these exceptions to the expected performance of the materials, to aid in the appropriate disposition of these non-conformances. In addition, you are responsible for providing the Design team with guidance on the appropriate use of composite materials within a vehicle, considering service requirements, manufacturability, and integration with the rest of the vehicle.

Responsibilities:

• Review drawings and part models to ensure the use of appropriate materials with necessary drawing notes for the required manufacturing processes

• Draft and revise materials and process specifications as needed to produce products with predictable performance

• Troubleshoot issues which arise in Manufacturing or at Vendors related to deviations from specifications or failure of existing specifications to reliably produce the desired results.

• Working with team members and leadership, Interact with Manufacturing, Engineering, and other departments for various IRAD projects.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years experience preferred in the evaluation or processing of aerospace materials, including composites, and plastics

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in related Engineering field from ABET or equivalent accredited institution.

• Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft structural components including out-of-autoclave processing.

• Experience with materials and process specifications for composite materials

• Knowledge of composite material mechanical testing and physical characterization methods & familiarity with statistical analysis methods of treating test data

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Excellent computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Strong team player

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s or 10 years experience preferred in the evaluation of aerospace materials, including composites, and plastics.

• Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft structural components including bond preparation, surface treatments, and bonded assemblies

• Familiarity with composite aircraft repair methods & processes, including authoring repair processes

• Experience in authoring / revising materials and process specifications for composite materials and associated processes

• Experience in developing a Design of Experiments for Process Improvement

• Extensive knowledge of mechanical testing and physical characterization methods for composite materials and joints & familiarity with industry-accepted statistical analysis methods of treating test data such as those found in CMH17-1

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.