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Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Engineer, Systems Analysis with extensive experience in subsonic, transonic and supersonic aircraft aerodynamics (with a specific emphasis on stability and control), external loads, and flight test. The candidate will build on an intimate knowledge of spaceplane systems as well as air launch vehicles. This person will support vehicle performance and handling quality activities, instrumentation planning, data processing, model evaluation for flight testing and vehicle envelope expansion with a focus on external loads development for spaceship and launch vehicle. Our goal is to deliver a transformative experience that changes the way people look at the planet and their place in it.

Responsibilities

+ Support loads event simulation model development and validation of loads criteria for suborbital space missions and other unconventional configurations

+ Substantiate vehicle performance and handling qualities

+ Support entry into commercial service by ensuring that regulatory and internal company requirements related to loads, performance, handling qualities and general airworthiness are met

+ Support pre-flight preparation including review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysis

+ Integrate with other internal and external engineering groups to ensure proper application of design and loads requirements

+ Develop airframe and component loads for structural design and qualification (Static and Dynamic)

+ Develop standardized analysis and reporting tools by using advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.

+ Develop and substantiate rational loads criteria and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations

+ Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and data created with analytical tools

+ Develop and improve standards, processes, and best practices for System Analysis team

+ Lead design or analysis of new products, systems, or processes

+ Leads effective cross functional teams to solve complex problems and helps other team members and teams be successful

+ Leads projects, peers, and teams to make engineering decisions and recommendations

+ Meets commitments and executes plan

+ Actively mentors and coaches others

Required Skills and Experience

+ Requires a minimum of 12 years of experience

+ Deep understanding of subsonic, transonic and supersonic aircraft aerodynamics

+ Deep understanding of aircraft stability and control methods and tools including vehicle dynamics 6-DOF modeling, parameter identification and aerodynamic derivative database development

+ Experience planning, executing and supporting ground and flight test campaigns specific to stability and control, loads, and overall vehicle flight dynamics evaluation

+ Verifiable track record as a stability and control, and/or external loads subject matter expert on one or more notable aerospace vehicle programs

+ Experiences in flight test aerodynamic and loads model validation and correlation

+ Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems

+ Experience with flight dynamics 6DOF trajectory simulation

+ Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria (FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, MilSpec, etc.)

+ Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Python, to include software development best practices like code review and configuration management

+ Proven ability to work in a team environment

+ Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

+ Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C, and C++ Experience with relevant computational physics codes, CFD, FEA

+ FAA pilot certificate

+ Experience with flight test instrumentation

+ Test planning experience including flight and ground testing, writing test plans, instrumentation selection and planning, and data verification

+ Experience with full aircraft analysis

+ Test execution experience including familiarity with standard flight test practices and safety processes

+ Champion innovations through new technologies and drives innovation of leading-edge products and solutions that provide company with a competitive advantage

+ 4 Knock-Out Questions (Qualifiers for your Position)

+ Are you a US person (i.e. either a US citizen or US permanent resident) as is required by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)?

+ Are you prepared to be the last word on safety critical issues on manned civilian aerospace vehicles?

+ Do you have 14 years of experience in stability and control analysis, loads, and test for aerospace applications?

+ Can you provide specific examples of notable vehicle programs where you have made major contributions?

+ 5 things they have to accomplish in first 6 months (need this experience)

+ Familiarize themselves with the VG vehicles

+ Familiarize themselves with the tools and processes used by system analysis

+ Contribute to ongoing activities by applying company tools and processes

+ Contribute to the successful completion of at least one test flight or one trade study

+ Propose at least one improvement initiative

LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $136,063.00–$207,596.00. 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.