Sr. Stress Engineer

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced aerospace Stress Analysis Engineer to join our Operations engineering team.  This engineer needs experience in composite vehicle design, stress analysis, composite repairs, and production manufacturing.  Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design, development and testing of spacecraft and spaceflight systems.

You will be creating innovative designs and problem resolutions that meet our demanding requirements through prototyping, hands-on design and working directly with our technicians on the vehicles as part of our standard practice. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and coordinate with multiple groups, including structural integrity, systems, structures, production/maintenance control and supply chain. Maintain focus on timeliness, execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. 

Responsibilities

• Reviews, updates, and compiles engineering analytical definition of structural components and assemblies based on records from the prototype build project, flight test and on-going operations.
• Develops standardized analysis criteria and templates .
• Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for all structural designs.
• Assists in review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and loads requirements.
• Supports the creation of structural test plans which will be used to verify manufacturing processes that meet design intent and requirements.
• Solves problems with a balance of technical product, cost, and schedule.
• Determines technical objectives of assignments and makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related spacecraft innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of product.  
• Understands loads and aerodynamic effects on the continually changing loads on a composite aircraft, maintain and assist in operating our stand-alone flight dynamic loads analysis tool to be used after each flight to ensure flight loads stay within the limits of the inspection criteria for the aircraft.
• Drive safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; ensure adherence to regulatory protocols and rules 
• Works collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.  

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field; and /or combination of education and work experience is required, Master’s degrees is helpful, but not required with industry experience
• Minimum 8 years of applicable experience in the analysis of structural systems using strength of materials and finite element-based methods.
• Relevant mechanical design and manufacturing experience preferably focused on or within aerospace
• Experience in aircraft or spacecraft composite fabrication, design, and analysis processes
• Experience with 3D Modeling and Drafting with 3DExperience, CATIA V5, or similar packages, some familiarity with SolidWorks is helpful
• Experience with NASTRAN, Hypersizer, and other Stress Analysis tools
• Experience with free-body diagrams and classical stress analysis techniques
• Familiarity with space flight vehicles, rocket propulsion systems, and components
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software) and configuration management
• Excellent Organizational Skills and problem-solving skills
• Strong team player
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Competency using basic functions of the MS Office suite of tools.
• Knowledge and experience with AS9100 a plus
• Knowledge of FAA part 25 FARs a plus
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with vehicle instrumentation for flight test and health monitoring a plus
• Experience with composite vehicles is a plus
• Strong mechanical attitude working with kinematic models and flight hardware, hands on work, related hobbies a plus.

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00–$166,036.00. 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.