Sr. Engineer, Embedded Systems Test

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Propulsion Test Team. The task of this role will be to establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of our innovative Hybrid Propulsion Systems. The engineer in this position will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, process, systems, and materials in order to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. This is a full-time position at the VG aerospace facility in Mojave, California.

• Design, develop, maintain, and upgrade the hybrid rocket motor test stand data acquisition, command and control system.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and software issues as and when they arise.
• Design of electrical harnesses and interconnecting systems.
• Configuration management of software and hardware.
• Support for software and data systems during test campaigns.
• Demonstrate leadership for data acquisition and control software/hardware design.
• Constantly update your knowledge about systems and hardware and share knowledge with the rest of the team.
• Set up and oversee hazardous test operations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics.
• 3-5 years’ experience working with National Instruments hardware and software system design and development.
• 3-5 years of experience in NI Labview, Labview RealTime and Labview FPGA software.
• 3-5 years of experience in C/C++, Python
• 3-5 years of experience in Matlab/Simulink software environment particularly in embedded software development.
• Experience with solenoids, relays, pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, Arduino microcontrollers.
• Ability to work to work in research and fast paced production timelines.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities.
• Driven and highly motivated and committed to improvement.
• Ability to bring to the table a positive and unique contribution to the team.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings.
• Experience with using Matlab/Simulink to generate production code and program real time hardware.
• Experience with electrical circuit design to integrate relays, solenoids, high voltage switching systems with microcontrollers.
• Operations experience in tests and operations environment.
• Ability to be able to work unsupervised.
• Excellent interpersonal, mentoring and leadership skills
• Ability to solve complex problems with little to no supervision on time as an individual or a member of an integrated team.
• Passion for space exploration and advancement of human space travel.

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work overtime as well as weekends when needed; weekend operations are uncommon but may be required from time to time to support the test program.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)

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, gender identity, 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. 

PHOENIX EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge.  This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.