Intern, Propulsion Ops Engineer

Virgin Galactic internships are for in-person experiences. Every year, we help connect students from colleges around the country to the love, wonder and awe created by space travel.  Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.

We are excited for you to learn more about Summer Internships at Virgin Galactic!

Internships at Virgin Galactic are typically a 12-week summer experience and a prime opportunity for students to have real hands-on experience that helps push their careers by developing some in-demand skills.

Virgin Galactic interns are empowered to complete real-life projects and will have the opportunity to apply their studies and skills to significant projects while bringing their unique selves to the company.  Our Interns work on diverse teams, solving real-world problems, while having fun along the way. This is your chance to bring ideas and solutions to life while working on cutting-edge technologies on our spaceflights.

For approximately 12 weeks you will be immersed in our incredible culture and work on challenging and meaningful projects that directly relate to company goals. The hands-on experience you will gain along with opportunities to engage with our exceptional executives, engineers, and other professionals will be incredibly valuable in shaping the foundation for your future.

This internship is in our Propulsion Operations Engineering Team, NM location, and requires you to be onsite Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday depending on the needs of the department. 

The Operations Engineering Department is responsible for supporting VG’s carrier vehicles and spaceships.  This typically involves addressing issues identified by the maintenance team after each flight.  There is always an element of urgency in the work this team supports given VG has customers with pre-defined flight dates.  The intern will work closely with engineers on the Propulsion Operations Engineering team performing tasks such as researching propulsion system performance, identifying issues and possible solutions, updating databases with dispositions, coordinating with other disciplines before a disposition is executed, and following through to see how the resolved issue responds on the next flight.

Responsibilities   

This position is with the Operations Engineering department. The Propulsion Operations Engineering Team is looking for an intern who must be enthusiastic with high energy and have a strong willingness to learn.

• Scope includes preparation of the SpaceShip propulsion systems for flight, propellant loading operations, and console operator in Mission Control.
• Perform propulsion ground system design updates in SolidWorks
• Research and reference SpaceShip digital models in CATIA
• Recommend updates to the design if changes are required
• Evaluate the need for follow-on vehicle inspections
• Optimize work tool suites to achieve maximum efficiency for issues resolution
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks 

Required Skills and Experience 

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree (required) in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace engineering.

• Demonstrated interest in aircraft and/or spacecraft engineering
• Must have at least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas 
• Development of both technical skills as well as leadership qualities.
• Participation in student rocket teams or amateur rocketry is a plus
• Strong interest in commercial spaceflight

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The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $42,640.00–$56,680.00. 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