Engineer II, Mechanical Systems

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer eager to participate in innovative and 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.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs of aircraft/spacecraft mechanical systems through:
  • Creating components or portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and support manufacturing operations. 
  • Integrating vehicle systems (comprising of valves, actuators, sensors, & various mechanical components)
  • Creating and releasing detailed 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and drawings.
• Support production and operations teams to ensure vehicle readiness for flight. This includes involvement in fabrication, implementation, and MRB activities.
• Assist authoring various manuals/templates such as design standard and best practices, procedures, and processes.
• Coordinate with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles. 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.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of design practices, procedures, and technologies. 
• Mentor and participate in knowledge transfer/training of teammates.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. 
• 4+ years' experience with a strong emphasis in design for aerospace vehicles.
• Knowledge of and experience with design of vehicle mechanical systems and components to include pneumatics, hydraulics, fuel systems, flight controls, landing gears, actuation systems or similar kinematics mechanisms.
• Experience with CATIA V5/6 or similar CAD software required. Experience with CATIA 3DX and model-based definitions are strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of design using GD&T.
• Ability to develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity. 
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM) and configuration management.
• Excellent decision-making skills with attention to details.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player, highly dependable, strong work ethic, organized with excellent time management skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with pneumatics, hydraulic, fuel system, flight controls, landing gears, actuation systems or similar kinematics mechanism.
• Experience with Fly-by-wire flight control systems or similar electromechanical control systems.
• Strong analysis skills to help develop physics-based models (Matlab or similar scripting languages a plus).
• Experience with prototype, development, experimental, and/or innovative products.
• Hands-on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation.
• Comfortable working in a creative/fast-paced environment.

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $85,900.00–$131,050.00. 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.