Specialist Test Engineer

Virgin Galactic, www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE), 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 us 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

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Specialist Test Engineer to support overall Test activities to support structures, systems and avionics testing of components, assemblies, and integrated airframes. The main task of this role is to is perform process improvements of the test lab under the direction of the Engineering lead and/or Manager. Engineers in this position are expected to have knowledge of industry standard test practices and methods.  This role will also provide test engineering technical support and oversight to the test engineering team.

Education and Experience Required.  Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution, with a concentration in Design, Structures, Testing or Materials.

• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.
• Applicant must use skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
• Applicant must be able to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Applicant must be able to create formal networks involving interface with design, analysis and production groups to establish and verify specific test requirements.
• Develop Test procedures, Write Test Plans and Design Test Fixtures for validation of complex mechanical or structural components and systems.
• Work with support teams and vendors to manufacture test articles and test fixtures.
• Participate with Lab Personnel in Test Fixture and Test Article Installation.
• Conduct/Lead Tests with responsibility for Safety, Load Application, Data and other Deliverables as defined by the Test Requestors and Test Plan.   
• Review test data to verify test requirements and write test reports to document test results.
• Participate in the test engineering review, approval and release process.
• Participate and develop continuous process improvement of testing practices, including test processes, lab procedures and lab technology implementation.

• 12 years or more experience in aerospace with an emphasis on aerospace testing or equivalent laboratory test engineering experience.
• CAD modelling experience – Experience with Catia V5 preferred
• Experience with simulation and finite element analysis preferred – NASTRAN, Femap
• Experience in Fixture Design and Analysis and vibration fixture modal analysis
• Experience in control, instrumentation, and data acquisition for variety of environmental tests of avionics and mech 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 are highly desired
• Experience with MTS or equivalent Controls and Data Programs.
• Results oriented, focused on safety, reliability and deliverables.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent Organizational Skills and Problem-solving Skills 
• Overall applicant must have broad expertise and knowledge in testing. 
• Excellent computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods- 6 hours minimum.

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.

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