Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Structures Design Engineer eager to participate in innovative/unique aerospace vehicle design activities. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The responsibilities will range from early concept and development, through full production, life cycle and sustainment. The primary tasks involve developing engineering definition for system components and assemblies while optimizing for operation, maintenance, and commercial service. Engineers in this position will also be expected to manage a team of design engineers, oversee supplier efforts, review drawings and planned manufacturing procedures to ensure compliance with design specifications and intentions, and support test definition for verification testing of components and subsystems.
This position is located in Tustin, CA working on‑site 4 days a week and 1 day remote.
Responsibilities:
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.
Integrating vehicle systems.
Creating and releasing detailed 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and drawings of metallic and composite parts.
Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity.
Lead and coordinate 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, 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, 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 standard 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.
Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.
Required Skills & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
12+ 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 the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components.
Significant prior work experience designing aircraft/spacecraft primary and secondary, fastened or 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, 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, ability to work quickly and prioritize tasks 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.
Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals.
Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.
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 CATIA V5 CPD (Composite Part Design) and/or FiberSIM.
Experience designing sheet metal parts.
Detailed knowledge of aerospace fastener systems.
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 skillsets.
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $136,063.00–$207,596.00. 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.
