Specialist Engineer, Loads

Virgin Galactic is seeking a seasoned technical expert for our external loads team. This role is responsible for technical execution and supervision of instrumentation planning, mission control preparation, data processing, and model evaluation for flight testing and vehicle envelope expansion of our suborbital Spaceship and mothership. Strong familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria with an ability to expand the intentions of those standard in a non-certification environment is essential.

The right candidate has a broad and comprehensive expertise in theories, techniques and/or technologies in aerospace external loads development. The specialist level also requires additional subject matter expertise in at least one of the following loads sub-disciplines: design and analysis, test and operations, and dynamic loads and spectra.

The mission of this role will be to provide accurate, right-sized solutions, intelligently trading solution fidelity and schedule while holding Safety Above All. Responsibility spans all phases of the engineering design cycle: mission conception, requirements development, design, analysis, test, entry into service, operations, sustainment, life extension, and retirement.

Responsibilities

• Support loads event simulation model development and validation of loads criteria for suborbital space missions and other unconventional configurations

• Support pre-flight preparation including review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysis

• Integrate with other internal and external engineering groups to ensure proper application of design and loads requirements

• Develop airframe and component loads for structural design and qualification (Static and Dynamic)

• Support entry into commercial service by ensuring that regulatory and internal company requirements related to loads are met

• Develop standardized analysis and reporting tools by using advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.

• Develop and substantiate rational loads criteria and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations

• Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and data created with analytical tools

• Develop and substantiate rational loads criteria and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations

• Provide loads technical leadership through the engineering organization

• Develop and improve loads standards, processes, and best practices

• Develop technical roadmaps, concepts, and approaches that establish strategic direction for the company related to loads

• Lead design or analysis of new products, systems, or processes

• Leads effective cross functional teams to solve complex problems and helps other people and teams be successful

• Leads projects, peers, and teams to make engineering decisions and recommendations including loads related risks and opportunities.

• Organizes and plans work and sets standards for team to meet company objectives

• Meets commitments and executes plan

• Actively mentors and coaches others

• Advise engineering leaders on highly complex technical solutions, with technological and departmental impact

Required Skills and Experience

• Requires a minimum of 12 years of experience; (advanced education (Master’s or Ph.D.) may be considered in lieu of experience)

• Experiences in flight test aerodynamic and loads model validation and correlation

• Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems

• Experience with flight dynamics 6DOF trajectory simulation

• Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria (FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, MilSpec, etc.)

• Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Python, to include software development best practices like code review and configuration management

• Proven ability to work in a team environment

• Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with CATIA V5 and NASTRAN

• Test planning experience including flight and ground testing, writing test plans, instrumentation selection and planning, and data verification

• Experience with full aircraft analysis – transonic required, launch vehicle & supersonic

• Test execution experience including familiarity with standard flight test practices and safety processes

• Champion innovations through new technologies and drives innovation of leading-edge products and solutions that provide company with a competitive advantage

• Create strong business relationships with key stakeholders to enlist their active support.

#LI-DR

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.