Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Virgin Galactic • Tustin, CA

9d • $143,031 - $218,132

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation Engineer to serve as the subject matter expert for Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation within the System Analysis team. The role owns technical depth in this domain while working with adjacent engineering disciplines. It contributes to developing and maintaining simulation tools that support trajectory analysis, handling qualities evaluation, and Monte Carlo-based uncertainty characterization across the suborbital SpaceShip and Launch Vehicle programs.

The position owns and evolves a MATLAB-based simulation architecture and helps sustain infrastructure for flight test planning, safety assessments, and vehicle envelope expansion. The engineer collaborates with flight test teams and contributes to vehicle behavior predictions that affect mission success, while maintaining focus on timely execution of tasks and deliverables.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF flight dynamics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft stability and control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling.
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods applied to trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills are strongly preferred or required if MATLAB proficiency is less extensive.
• Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives and correlate models.
• Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems.
• Willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a timely, respectful manner and remain open to other ideas.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing or integrating pilot models or control system models within a simulation environment.
• Familiarity with simulation architecture best practices, including modularity, validation frameworks, and CI/CD for engineering tools.
• Experience with aerodynamic database development and integration into simulation tools.
• CFD familiarity or experience with aerodynamic experimental methods.
• Exposure to nonlinear aerodynamics or high-angle-of-attack modeling.
• Experience with flight test execution and instrumentation.
• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools, including 6DOF flight dynamics models, pilot/control system models, and Monte Carlo simulation analysis frameworks.
• Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle, including version control, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop aerodynamic and stability and control models for vehicle performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics.
• Support flight test planning, limitations review, procedures, and post-flight analysis.
• Analyze flight test data to identify aerodynamic derivatives and update stability and control models.
• Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD, engineering methods, and wind tunnel data.
• Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines using MATLAB and Python.
• Collaborate across System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering.
• Produce analyses, documentation, and technical presentations supporting program reviews and safety assessments.
• Contribute to best practices and standards for simulation tool development and aerodynamic modeling.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and complete assigned tasks.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered.
• Other forms of pay, such as bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

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