Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking an engineer with hands-on experience and a strong background in rocket propulsion systems, preferably with hybrid or liquid propulsion or with high pressure fluids and composite overwrapped pressure vessels experience. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in engineering operations.
Ideally the engineer will have a background in design, manufacturing, integration, testing and/or flight operations. This role requires critical thinking across hardware integration and product lifecycles. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. 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 at Spaceport America.
Relocation assistance available.
Responsibilities
Authoring, leading, coordinating, and executing operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gas and liquid loading
Providing real-time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor system performance and recommend corrective actions as required
Maintaining and operating Ground Support Equipment for flight operations
Highly proficient in propulsion systems for on-ship maintenance, pre-flight, and post-flight activities
Designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations
Resolving and dispositioning rocket motor system issues and implementing future improvements
Reviewing operational data to identify areas for further development, testing, analyses, and improvement to ensure the system meets and exceeds all requirements for performance, safety, and reliability
Recommending concepts for component or system redesign based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability
Authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping and instrumentation diagrams)
Performing post flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data
Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution, with 5+ years relevant industry experience
Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion operations and testing experience
Aerospace high pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience
Experience with 3-D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA, etc.
Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high stress situations
Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem-solving skills
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
A passion for rockets and sending people to space!
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with real-time monitoring of critical systems
Experience with propulsion Ground Support Equipment
Experience with data analysis software such as MatLab
Knowledge of pressure system design and build codes such as ASME B31.3, BPVC, API standards etc. is also a strong plus.
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 typical rocket propellants (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, etc.) is a strong plus.
Experience with fault tree analysis and multidisciplinary trade studies
Experience developing requirements and executing verification plans
Knowledge of or experience with pressure system design and build codes such as ASME B31.3, BPVC, API…