Specialist Stress Engineer - Test Support

Your Mission:
The Specialist Stress Engineer (Test Support) will primarily focus on both ground test and flight test of Virgin Galactic vehicles and programs. This will be done via hands on assessment and analytical substantiation of structure and / or mechanical systems in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. Team members will be tasked with supporting both spaceships and motherships: encompassing all components (primary and secondary structure) of all vehicles of the space-flight-system.

Responsibilities:
•Interface and collaborate with many different disciplines to support pre-test, test, and post-test activities.
•Supports both creation and review of test requirements, test predictions, test plans, and related drawings, procedures, and other documents to ensure compliance with design and load requirements
•Coordinate / Oversee work of a small team of stress engineers supporting test activities (as needed)
•Perform structural analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of test fixtures, structural components, and test/structural assemblies 
•Develops and/or utilizes finite element models (global and discrete) 
•Mentorship of more junior team members  

Requirements:
•Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline
•Minimum 12 years’ experience in Aerospace airframe / mechanical systems stress analysis
•Prior experience with both metallic and composite materials analysis / structural substantiation.
•Previous experience supporting some manner of test pyramid activities (coupon, component, assembly, full vehicle)
•Proficiency with Finite Element Modeling software (FEMAP+NASTRAN preferred)
•Solid understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths.
•Strong teamwork and coordination skills
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of tools, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Preferred Skills and Experience:
•Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems, such as Oracle is a plus
•Hands-on experience with composite part fabrication and assembly process is a plus
•Prior experience performing ground / flight test support activities in aerospace stress applications is a strong plus
•Previous experience with FEMAP is a strong plus
•Knowledge of and / or experience with Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques is a strong plus
•Knowledge of and / or experience with Fatigue & Damage Tolerance analysis is a strong 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
 

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $132,100.00–$201,550.00. 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.