Engineer II, Propulsion Operations

Virgin Galactic • Truth or Consequences, NM

6d • $118,031 - $180,069 • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a hands-on engineer with experience in rocket propulsion systems, preferably hybrid or liquid propulsion, high-pressure fluids, or composite overwrapped pressure vessels. The role supports engineering operations across hardware integration and product lifecycles, with a focus on safely preparing, operating, monitoring, maintaining, and improving propulsion systems and related ground support equipment for flight operations. The position requires strong attention to detail, critical thinking, sound judgment in high-stress situations, and effective collaboration. It is based full time at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility at Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Relocation assistance is available.

The engineer will author and execute operational procedures for propellant and pressurized-fluid loading, support real-time monitoring during space flights, perform propulsion maintenance before and after flights, and maintain and improve ground support equipment. The role also includes resolving propulsion system issues, reviewing operational and post-flight data, recommending system improvements, and authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications. The position requires adherence to safety practices, foreign object debris awareness and prevention, and applicable regulatory protocols.

Applicants must meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. Person or be able to obtain the required authorization, and not be included on the specified Office of Foreign Assets Control list. Employment is subject to Virgin Galactic’s drug-free workplace policy and applicable testing. Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides a process for requesting reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• At least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion operations and testing experience.
• Aerospace high-pressure fluids operations, testing and analysis, or design experience.
• Experience with 3-D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), or CATIA.
• Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high-stress situations.
• Strong teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet flight operations schedules.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of at least 9 hours.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safety-forward approach, including good housekeeping, tool control, and proper handling of hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be a U.S. Person or able to obtain required U.S. Government export authorization, and must not be included on the specified Office of Foreign Assets Control list.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with real-time monitoring of critical systems.
• Experience with propulsion Ground Support Equipment.
• Experience with data analysis software such as MATLAB.
• Knowledge of pressure-system design and build codes, including ASME B31.3, BPVC, or API standards.
• Experience designing flight vehicles or vehicle systems to requirements or standards such as CFR 14 Parts 400, 23, or 25, military standards, or NASA standards.
• Experience with typical rocket propellants such as LOX, hypergols, hydrogen, or solids.
• Experience with fault tree analysis and multidisciplinary trade studies.
• Experience developing requirements and executing verification plans.
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical experience.
• Passion for rockets and sending people to space.

Responsibilities

• Author, lead, coordinate, and execute operational procedures for propellant, pressurized gas, and liquid 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.
• Apply strong propulsion systems proficiency to on-ship maintenance and pre-flight and post-flight activities.
• Design and execute Ground Support Equipment upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency and support higher flight cadence.
• Resolve and disposition rocket motor system issues and implement future improvements.
• Review operational data to identify development, testing, analysis, and improvement opportunities, ensuring performance, safety, and reliability requirements are met or exceeded.
• Recommend component or system redesign concepts based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability.
• Author, review, and approve 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 awareness and prevention, and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Collaborate with others to achieve goals and complete assigned tasks.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance is available.
• The compensation package may include a bonus or long-term incentive, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits, depending on the position offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level