Principal Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Virgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE) Virgin Galactic recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space.

Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology.

From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space it is clear that there is much more that unites than divides us.

We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and change the world for good. 

Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic

If you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver, and can make things happen - apply today!

Virgin Galactic is seeking a principal mechanical or aerospace engineer eager to quickly gain experience (or further experience) in design of innovative aerospace vehicle mechanical systems.  The engineer will also be expected to support her/his designs through the full production life cycle.  The primary task for the person will be to develop engineered definition for systems components and assemblies.  Engineers in this position will also be expected to create/review planned manufacturing procedures to ensure compliance with design specifications and intentions, and support test definition for verification testing of components and subsystems.

• Perform kinematic studies, develop system schematics, and create engineering definition for detail parts, assemblies, and installations.
• Creatively solve challenging clean sheet mechanical design challenges for space flight vehicle system.
• Establish manufacturing tolerances for production of system components and assemblies
• Develop and document requirements and interface constraints for components
• Coordinate with the systems substantiation department to ensure component performance in flight environments
• Support test definition to verify that components and manufacturing processes meet design intent and engineering requirements
• Participate in the review, approval, and release process of engineering definition
• Support creation and review of manufacturing plans to ensure compliance with design requirements and company processes
• Support components throughout full lifecycle from prototype to final acceptance as well as modifications and repairs after installation
• Use engineering judgment to evaluate manufacturing issues and disposition nonconformance reports (NCR)
• Mentor, develop and train the next generation of talent in this field.
• Other duties to support company objectives as required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in Aeronautical, Astronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering
• 8 + years of relevant experience;
• Experience with CATIA V5 strongly preferred, or SOLIDWORKS or equivalent
• Experienced design (broad based aircraft experience) with knowledge of design manufacturing tolerances for production of components using GD&T
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software), Requirements management tools and configuration management
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, strong team player.
• Experience using Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPointApplicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

 Prefrred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with life safety design/requirements
• Experience with prototype, development, experimental and/or innovative products
• Hands on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation
• Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight
• Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills
• Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community
• Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment
• Desire and ability to mentor others
• Desire to question the status quo…

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees.

 As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer). If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire.

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.

 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.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees.

As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer). If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire.

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.

 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.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as newly hired employees.

 As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19virus, (“fully vaccinated” means at least two week have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer).  If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met be your date of hire.  Virgin Galactic complies with federal, state, and local laws with regard to accommodations related to this policy.