Senior Engineer, Propulsion Test

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. In this role, you develop and establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle. 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’s aerospace facility in Mojave, California.ResponsibilitiesPartner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double-check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification testsCoordination of test requirements and development of test proceduresCoordination of all test site activities, operation of all ground test support equipment (GSE) and test operations for the hybrid rocket motor and stage system (GSE includes propellant and Pressurant storage and transportation equipmentVerifying all GSE is in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support on-going testing and flight operationsAnalyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency. Support test operations as well as hybrid rocket design, analysis, and production activitiesConfer with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standardsAnalize test data and write reports/make presentationsEstimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisionsRequired Skills And ExperienceBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics8+ years of role related experienceLiquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Specifically, experience with:Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systemsTest readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reportingData analysis of test dataTest control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocolCoordination of multiple support organizations (S&MA, regulatory bodies)Ground support equipment and high-pressure fluid design and analysis experienceStrong team playerPhysically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)Excellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal and coaching skillsAbility to interact with all levels of the organizationExcellent organizational skills and problem-solving skillsExcellent computer skills, word, excel and PowerPointPreferred Skills And ExperienceExperience 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 NASAExperience with high-performance teams including engineers, production technicians and ground/flight operations personnelFluid and thermodynamic analysis experienceThe annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $143,031.00–$218,132.00. 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/benefitsWho We AreVirgin 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 RequirementsTo 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 StatementVirgin 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 WorkplaceVirgin 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 RequirementsFor 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.Accommodation RequestsIf you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: [email protected] Mandatory NoticesEmployee Polygraph Protection Act RightsE-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_EsYour Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave ActKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal