Sr. Engineer, Mechanical Systems
Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic seeks an experienced Senior Aircraft Systems Design Engineer to design, develop, and qualify integrated mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems for our spaceship and carrier vehicles. This role spans the full design life cycle—from requirements definition through qualification—and requires strong first-order design/analysis skills and proficiency in CATIA (or equivalent). You will also review prototype designs and test data to identify improvement and development opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Design, integrate, and qualify air vehicle systems; manage system requirements and engineering definition for components and assemblies.
- Review prototype designs, flight-test data, and component qualification results to verify/validate performance and recommend redesigns or additional testing.
- Develop and maintain system-level requirements based on customer and implied needs.
- Support manufacturing plan reviews to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Create system test plans to verify design intent.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and management teams on production capabilities, schedules, and process considerations.
Required Skills and Experience
- B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
- 8+ years relevant industry experience (10+ preferred).
- Proficiency with CATIA V5 preferred; SOLIDWORKS or equivalent acceptable.
- Experience designing mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical aircraft systems, including assembly and test processes.
- Strong understanding of GD&T and manufacturing tolerances.
- Experience with PLM, requirements management, and configuration management tools.
- Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with MS Office.
- Experience with AS9100, manufacturing ERP systems, and flight-vehicle design to standards such as CFR 14 (Parts 400, 23, 25), DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or NASA standards is highly desired.
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00–$166,036.00. 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.
