Specialist Test Engineer

Who we are

Virgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE) Virgin Galactic recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space.

Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology.

From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space it is clear that there is much more that unites than divides us.

We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and change the world for good.  Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic

  If you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver, and can make things happen - apply today!

Your Mission

Virgin Galactic is seeking a specialist test engineer to support structures, systems, and avionics testing of components, assemblies, and integrated airframes. The primary tasks for this role include collecting test requirements, writing test plans, designing test fixtures, and executing tests under the direction of the Engineering lead and/or Manager. Engineers in this position are expected to have knowledge of industry standard test practices and methods.  This role will provide test engineering support to engineering design and analysis groups in a rapid prototyping environment. As specialist test engineer, you will help provide mentorship and guidance to associate engineers.

• Provide technical leadership for the test engineering group.
• Design tests plans and equipment for validation of complex mechanical or structural components and systems.
• Support team development and growth with a commitment to elevating people through mentorship and career development of engineers.
• Coordinate with Program Management, engineering, and other integrated product team staff regarding structural, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Interface with other program leaders to assist senior leadership with setting priorities and meet VG company goals.
• Write test plans and procedures to define and support execution of tests.
• Interface with internal customers on integrated program teams to establish and verify specific test requirements.
• Work with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture and assemble test articles and test stand hardware and equipment.
• Participate in the test engineering review, approval, and release process.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of testing practices, including test processes, lab procedures and lab technology implementation.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision, adaptable to changing environments and handle multiple tasks and/or projects simultaneously. Encourages other employees to do the same and leads by exemplary service.

What you bring

• 15 years or more experience in aerospace with an emphasis on testing or equivalent laboratory test engineering experience – Structural or Systems testing background preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline.
• Hydraulic control, instrumentation, signal conditioning, and data acquisition for variety of environmental tests of avionics and mechanical systems.
• CAD modelling experience – Experience with Catia V5 preferred.
• Test fixture design and analysis.
• Vibration fixture modal analysis.
• Experience with DO-160 environmental test standards for mechanical systems.
• 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 are highly desired.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft or spaceship design and analysis.
• Familiarity with composites and metallic primary structures.
• Results oriented approach to completing test activities successfully.
• Focus on safety and reliability in testing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Applicants must be “U.S. persons” as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Aerospace Engineering Degree
• Experience with simulation and finite element analysis preferred – NASTRAN, Femap
• Certified LabVIEW associate developer or higher certification
• Computer programming experience
• Experience using PXI, cDAQ NI Hardware

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 6 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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees. 

As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, ( “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer) . If  you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire. 

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, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.