Sr. Data Acquisition and 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 Senior Data Acquisition Engineer/Test Engineer to support structures, systems, and avionics testing of components, assemblies, and integrated airframes. The primary tasks for this role include defining test instrumentation requirements as well as developing and configuring data acquisition hardware/software for structural and systems 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.

• Configure instrumentation and data acquisition system for structural and systems tests.
• Participate in test planning activities to define instrumentation requirements.
• Work with vendors to expand lab capability.
• 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

• At least 1 year of recent LabVIEW programming/data acquisition experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering
• Hydraulic control, instrumentation, signal conditioning, and data acquisition for variety of environmental tests of avionics and mechanical systems.
• Experience using instrumentation: strain gages, string potentiometers, thermocouples, accelerometers, load cells, LVDT, pressure transducers.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently to resolve issues and find answers.
• 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

• 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.