Virgin Galactic is seeking an Associate Engineer to work within the GSE Engineering Department. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.The primary tasks for this role include the design development, maintenance and troubleshooting of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for our next generation spaceship. Additionally, you will work on the operational readiness for legacy and new GSE, collecting requirements, writing test plans, designing test fixtures, and executing tests under the direction of the Engineering lead and/or Director. Engineers in this position are expected to have knowledge of industry standard test practices and methods. This role will provide engineering support to GSE and Propulsion Operations teams in a fast-paced environment. Maintain 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.

This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences, NM.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support new designs and improvements of Ground Support Equipment for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations.
• Maintain and operate Ground Support Equipment for flight operations.

• Define and conduct maintenance and troubleshooting of complex mechanical, pneumatic and electrical systems.
• Establish maintenance requirements and procedures for legacy and new equipment.

• Determine root cause of issues, propose corrective actions and make recommendations for safety and reliability.
• Perform system integration of components and assemblies, conduct research and testing, and help resolve issues as they arise.
• Interface with test authors to define and verify specialized test equipment.
• Write test plans and procedures to define and support execution of tests.
• Authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping / instrumentation diagrams and electrical schematics).
• Perform initial triage response assessments to equipment defects raised whether in scheduled or unscheduled maintenance operation.
• Work with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture and build test articles and test hardware and equipment.
• Participate in the test engineering review, approval and release process.
• Prepare 3D models, 2D drawings, plans and technical reports.
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering).
• Hands-on experience testing/troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems.
• CAD Modelling Experience – CATIA, SolidWorks, and/or 3DX.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with student rocket launch competitions.
• SolidWorks experience is a plus.
• Aerospace high pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience.

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and be available for extended hours as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $64,993.00–$94,193.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a 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

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.

Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.

Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.