Senior Engineer, Propulsion Test
About The Position
Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Test Engineer with propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Guided by the value “Safety Above All,” this role supports the safe development and qualification of the Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle. The engineer develops and establishes test requirements and documentation, and defines the equipment, processes, systems, and materials needed to conduct safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. The position is hands-on and calls for strong attention to detail and people skills. This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Mojave, California. The annual U.S. base salary range is $143,031 to $218,132. Actual base pay varies based on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience, and internal equity. Other compensation, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided, along with medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position. Applicants must meet U.S. Government export-control requirements: be a U.S. Person or able to obtain the required authorization, and not appear on the Office of Foreign Assets Control list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Post-offer and active employees may be subject to drug and alcohol testing under company policies.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, concentrated in a relevant engineering discipline or physics.
- At least 8 years of role-related experience.
- Experience with liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing.
- Experience developing test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine or stage systems.
- Experience with test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting.
- Experience analyzing test data.
- Knowledge of test control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocol.
- Experience coordinating multiple support organizations, including S&MA and regulatory bodies.
- Ground support equipment and high-pressure fluid design and analysis experience.
- Strong team-player skills.
- Ability to handle items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing flight vehicles or vehicle systems to requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Parts 400, 23, and 25, or military or NASA standards.
- Experience working with high-performance teams including engineers, production technicians, and ground or flight operations personnel.
- Fluid and thermodynamic analysis experience.
Responsibilities
- Partner with engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors to perform systems analysis, verify existing work, design new systems, and prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests.
- Coordinate test requirements and develop test procedures.
- Coordinate test-site activities and operate ground test support equipment and test operations for the hybrid rocket motor and stage system, including propellant and pressurant storage and transportation equipment.
- Verify that ground support equipment is in good working order and that required improvements, maintenance, and documentation are in place for ongoing testing and flight operations.
- Analyze and plan workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow; design equipment and workspace layouts for maximum efficiency.
- Support test operations and hybrid rocket design, analysis, and production activities.
- Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange purchases of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products against specifications and quality standards.
- Analyze test data and write reports or make presentations.
- Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to inform management decisions.
Benefits
- Medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered.
- Other forms of pay, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
