Position Responsibilities

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  Pioneer conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs of aircraft/spacecraft structural configuration layouts by:
  • Creating components or portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and support manufacturing operations.
  • We are integrating vehicle systems.
  • Creating and releasing detailed 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and drawings.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity.
• Lead and coordinated the activities of a team of design engineers within an assigned project.
• Act as technical design authority and evaluate completed work for clarity, conformity to industry and company standards, tolerances, materials, and the 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, and economy of fabrication.
• Modify designs based on cost, weight, and manufacturing targets and capabilities.
• Lead by example and inspire team collaboration 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 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 standards and best practices, procedures, and processes.
• Identify process deficiencies and develop solutions to improve those deficiencies.
• Mentor and participate in knowledge transfer/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.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 14+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with a strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of composite aircraft structural design and familiarity with industry standards for manufacturing, repairing, and assembly of components.
• Significant 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.
• Experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5, functional tolerancing, drawing creation, and assembly tolerance stack-up analysis.

• 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.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar from an accredited institution.
• Experience with CATIA V5 and/or CATIA 3DX.
• 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.
• Familiarity with MRB tasks associated with dispositioning non-conformant metallic and composite components resulting from manufacturing, assembly, or field operations.
• 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 skill sets.

#LI-MC1

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 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.

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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, 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.