Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations
About The Position
The Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations supports propulsion and flight operations at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences at Spaceport America. The role is hands-on and requires attention to detail, strong people skills, critical thinking across hardware integration and product lifecycles, and a commitment to the company value “Safety above All.” The engineer supports safe and reliable human spaceflight operations and helps hold themselves and teammates accountable for completing work. Experience with rocket propellants such as LOX, hypergols, hydrogen, or solid propellants is a strong plus. The position coordinates propellant and pressurized-gas loading procedures, monitors systems during flights, maintains and operates Ground Support Equipment, and supports propulsion-system maintenance before and after flights. It also contributes to equipment upgrades, issue resolution, operational data analysis, system improvements, technical publications, and reliability monitoring. The role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for flight operations, along with physical capability to stand for extended periods and work in tight spaces.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Knowledge of 3-D modeling.
- Experience with data-analysis software such as MATLAB.
- Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high-stress situations.
- Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical-writing, and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated and able to take initiative.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Passion for rockets and sending people to space.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed in accordance with flight-operations schedules.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods, with a minimum of 9 hours stated.
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must demonstrate safety-forward thinking, good housekeeping, tool control, and proper handling of hazardous materials and chemicals.
Nice To Haves
- Internship or co-op experience.
- Experience with student rocket-launch competitions.
- Experience with 3-D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), or CATIA.
- Experience in high-pressure fluids operations, testing, analysis, or design.
- Knowledge of or experience with designing flight vehicles or vehicle systems to requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Parts 400, 23, or 25, or military or NASA standards.
- Hands-on mechanical and electrical experience.
- Experience with typical rocket propellants from student rocket competitions, such as LOX, hypergols, hydrogen, or solid propellants.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute operational procedures for propellant and pressurized-gas loading.
- Provide real-time systems monitoring during space flights, monitor system performance, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain and operate Ground Support Equipment for flight operations.
- Support propulsion systems for on-ship maintenance and pre-flight and post-flight activities.
- Assist with designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades to increase reliability, improve efficiency, and support higher flight cadence operations.
- Resolve and disposition rocket motor system issues and implement future improvements.
- Review operational data to identify areas for development, testing, analysis, and improvement so systems meet and exceed performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
- Recommend component or system redesign concepts based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability.
- Assist with authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications, including maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
- Perform post-flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data.
- Practice safe behaviors and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness and prevention, and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
- Work collaboratively to achieve goals and complete assigned tasks.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance available.
- A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided, dependent on the position offered.
- Other forms of pay, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided as part of the compensation package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
