Sr. Engineer, Structures Design

This role will be in support of the Airframe Design Team with an emphasis on the Wing and Fuselage structure.  In depth knowledge of aircraft structural design methodologies, tooling, fabrication and repair are required.  This position will span from detailed design to final assembly & checkout.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary, conceptual, and detailed designs of aircraft/spacecraft components and systems through:
  • The creation and release of detailed parts, assemblies, installations and drawings.
  • Designing components or portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations.
  • Building 3D models of design details and complex assemblies. 
• Evaluate completed work for clarity, conformity to industry and company standards, tolerances, materials, accuracy of calculations and dimensions.
• Identify design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies, and recommend revisions and/or improvements in design layout to responsible engineers or designers.
• Review designs for fit, function, manufacturability, economy of fabrication.
• Modify designs based on cost, weight and manufacturing targets and capabilities.
• Collaborate with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles.
• Review manufacturing plans/procedures, assembly and installation processes to ensure quality, and compliance with design requirements.
• Support production and operations teams to ensure vehicle readiness for flight. This includes detailed involvement in fabrication, implementation, and MRB activities.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of design practices, procedures, and technologies.
• Prepare and author various manuals / templates such as design standard and best practices, procedures, and processes.
• Identify process deficiencies and develop solutions to improve those deficiencies.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity. 
• Mentor junior level engineers and participate in knowledge transfer and 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.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in Aeronautical, Astronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with a strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of composite aircraft structural design.
• Prior work experience designing aircraft/spacecraft primary, secondary, and bonded composite structures. 
• Prior work experience designing for vehicle systems integration accommodation.
• Expert knowledge in using CAD software and composite workbenches to design aircraft/spacecraft structures and components. CATIA V5 and/or CATIA 3DX preferred.

• Experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5, functional tolerancing, drawing creation, assembly tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Perform MRB tasks associated with dispositioning non-conformant metallic and composite components resulting from manufacturing, assembly, or field operations.
• 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.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software), requirements management tools, and configuration management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office with good technical writing skills and the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders.
• Experience in authoring or providing input for the authoring of design standards and manuals.
• Experience managing and leading small to medium sized teams of varying skillsets.
• A high degree of autonomy, creativity, and an ability to work quickly and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team or individually.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Experience mentoring junior level engineers.

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.