Specialist Engineer, Internal Loads & Methods

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Stress engineer to serve as a group lead for the Internal Loads team of the department. This individual will be responsible for leading a team of Stress engineers in addressing and solving the most difficult engineering challenges pertaining to finite element modeling work within the Stress discipline. This is inclusive of development, validation, and ownership of the global vehicle FEMs. This position will be located in Tustin, CA.

The Engineer in this position will support both (1) vehicle design/build and (2) ground and flight test operations directly via their work. This work will be done in support of substantiation of vehicles and equipment in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment and will be accomplished through a combination of creation and curation of models, tools, methods, and guidelines development.

Stress Engineers at Virgin Galactic will interface and collaborate with varied other disciplines, including but not limited to: Flight Sciences (External Loads, Thermal, Aero, etc.), Structures Design, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support.

Stress Specialist Engineers must be able to function both independently and as part of a team in support of their tasking. 

Responsibilities:

• Tasking and leading a team of Stress Engineers through projects / assignments related to Internal Loads and Finite Element Modeling
• Proper creation and validation of vehicle-level global finite element models
• Proper creation and validation of smaller discrete breakout models
• Creation and curation of tools, macros, guidelines, and department documents using knowledge of industry standard finite element modeling and analysis requirements, techniques, software, and programming languages
• Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design via generation of guidelines and standardization of modeling and analysis techniques and processes.
• May perform or support structural analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components, assemblies, and systems
• Mentorship of more junior team members  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline
• Minimum 8 years’ prior experience in structural analysis or “Stress-adjacent” disciplines of aerospace engineering (examples: Loads, Methods, Durability and Damage Tolerance)
• Minimum 8 years’ prior experience in Internal Loads and/or Finite Element Modeling specifically
• Prior experience in building and/or maintaining vehicle-level FEMs
• Prior experience with test FEM correlation
• Excellent understanding of material properties & behavior, (metals and composites)
• Excellent understanding of statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths
• Strong foundational knowledge and understanding of stress analysis procedures, failure modes, failure theories, and applicable calculations (both Static and Fatigue / Durability / Damage Tolerance)
• Proficient in coding / macro creation in one or more programming languages (VBA, Python, C++, etc.)
• Expertise in creating and interrogating FEA models, including pre and post processing of NASTRAN models and associated sizing of structure and system components
• Strong teamwork and coordination skills
• Previous experience with FEMAP
• Collaborate with key cross-discipline stakeholders to achieve program objectives in a timely manner
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of tools, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Mathcad, and other industry standard software

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience or proficiency with external vehicle loads interfacing and dealing with unbalanced loads
• Previous experience with Abaqus is a strong plus
• Proficient in coding via Python and VBA is a plus
• Prior experience performing liaison / MRB activities in aerospace stress applications is a plus
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems, such as Oracle is a 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

#LI-MS1

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 an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. 

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.