Sr. Engineer, Propulsion Test

Virgin Galactic • Mojave, CA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with electrical system development and qualification testing experience. In this role, you develop and establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle. The engineer in this position will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, processes, systems, and materials to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. This is a full-time position at the VG’s aerospace facility in Mojave, California.
Partner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double-check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests.
Coordination of test requirements and development of test procedures.
Verifying all electrical systems in ground control and test facilities are in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support ongoing testing and flight operations.
Analyzes and plans workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange for the purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding fabrication capabilities, schedules, and other considerations to facilitate testing activities.
Design and implement Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) for the test stand and for lab testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics
• 8+ years of experience in Data Acquisition and Control Systems (DACS), Instrumentation Engineering, and Electrical Circuit Design
• Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systems
• Knowledge and understanding of
• Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting
• Test control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocol
• Coordination of multiple support organizations (S&MA, regulatory bodies)
• Ground support equipment and high-pressure fluid design and analysis experience
• Electronics testing in laboratory environment; strong troubleshooting and data analysis skill required
• Strong team player; excellent interpersonal and coaching skills; ability to work successfully with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Standard computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; CATIA V5, Matlab, Labview strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with COPV
• Test system development using LabVIEW
• Wiring harness design, production, and implementation
• 5+ years’ experience in liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing.
• Experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA
• Experience with high-performance teams including engineers, production technicians, and ground/flight operations personnel
• Fluid and thermodynamic analysis experience

Responsibilities

• Partner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double-check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests.
• Coordination of test requirements and development of test procedures.
• Verifying all electrical systems in ground control and test facilities are in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support ongoing testing and flight operations.
• Analyzes and plans workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange for the purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding fabrication capabilities, schedules, and other considerations to facilitate testing activities.
• Design and implement Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) for the test stand and for lab testing.

Benefits

• full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees