Sr. Eng, Mass Properties & Flight Sciences

Virgin Galactic•Truth or Consequences, NM

4d•$108,871 - $166,036

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Sr. Mass Properties and Flight Sciences Engineer to join our Operations team. This engineering position will use 3Dx, CATIA, Excel, Matlab, and other tools to determine mass, inertia, center of gravity (CG), and aerodynamic loading of the flight vehicles. This role will develop tools and processes to automate this analysis. Focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. You will be creating innovative designs and problem resolution that meet our demanding requirements through prototyping, hands-on design and working directly with out technicians on the vehicles as part of our standard practice

Requirements

B. S. Degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering or related discipline and/or combination of education and work experience is required.
At least 8 (eight) years of aircraft or spacecraft Mass Properties and Aerodynamics Engineering experience. Some of the experience may be supported by CAD-based design experience.
Working knowledge of aircraft and space systems and familiarity with relevant aerospace standards (FAA, FAA‐AST etc).
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Strong IT skills, including Excel, Catia V5, Matlab and computer programming capability.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is desirable.
Experience with vehicle instrumentation for flight test and health monitoring a plus.
Experience with composite vehicles is a plus.
Experience with schematics in Microsoft Vision is a plus.
Strong mechanical attitude working with kinematic models and flight hardware, hands on work, related hobbies a plus.

Responsibilities

Selects appropriate methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to resolve complex engineering issues.
Anticipates and resolves issues by developing standards and guidelines for diverse engineering activities.
Solves problems with a balance of technical product, cost, and schedule.
Determines technical objectives of assignments and makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative.
Maintains current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related spacecraft innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of product.
Understands loads and aerodynamic effects on the continually changing loads on a composite aircraft, maintain and operate our stand-alone flight dynamic loads analysis tool to be used after each flight to ensure flight loads stay within the limits of the inspection criteria for the aircraft.
Acts as the in-house operational expert on Aerodynamic changes to the aircraft due to repairs/modifications and damage that may occur in commercial operations.
Demonstrates flexibility in your design philosophy to quickly pivot between solutions to support turn times and commercial goals.
Practices safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
Works collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.