Engineer II, Propulsion Operations

Virgin Galactic; Truth or Consequences (NM); On-site; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in Truth or Consequences, NM, is seeking an engineer with hands-on experience in rocket propulsion, preferably hybrid or liquid, and with high-pressure fluids experience. This full-time role spans design, manufacturing, integration, testing and flight operations in a fast-paced environment.

The position requires critical thinking, attention to detail and strong teamwork. You will author procedures, monitor systems, maintain ground support equipment, and contribute to reliability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (accredited) with 5+ years experience.
• Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion operations and testing experience.
• High pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience.
• Proficient in 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA).
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Author, lead, coordinate and execute procedures for propellant and pressurized gas loading.
• Provide real-time systems monitoring during flights and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain and operate Ground Support Equipment for flight operations.
• Advanced propulsion systems support for on-ship maintenance and pre/post-flight tasks.
• Design and implement Ground Support Equipment upgrades for reliability and cadence.
• Review operational data to identify improvements and ensure safety and reliability.
• Author and approve technical publications (maintenance manuals, procedures, P&IDs).
• Perform post-flight data analysis and develop system health monitoring.
• Maintain safety, FOD awareness, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with teams to achieve goals and complete tasks.

Skills

Propulsion systems experience

Hands-on engineering

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

CATIA

MatLab

Job description

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking an engineer with hands‑on experience and a strong background in rocket propulsion systems, preferably with hybrid or liquid propulsion or with high pressure fluids and composite overwrapped pressure vessels experience. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in engineering operations.

Ideally the engineer will have a background in design, manufacturing, integration, testing and/or flight operations. This role requires critical thinking across hardware integration and product lifecycles. This role is for a hands‑on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

This is a full‑time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences at Spaceport America.

Relocation assistance available.

Responsibilities

• Authoring, leading, coordinating, and executing operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gas and liquid loading
• Providing real‑time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor system performance and recommend corrective actions as required
• Maintaining and operating Ground Support Equipment for flight operations
• Highly proficient in propulsion systems for on‑ship maintenance, pre‑flight, and post‑flight activities
• Designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations
• Resolving and dispositioning rocket motor system issues and implementing future improvements
• Reviewing operational data to identify areas for further development, testing, analyses, and improvement to ensure the system meets and exceeds all requirements for performance, safety, and reliability
• Recommending concepts for component or system redesign based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability
• Authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping and instrumentation diagrams)
• Performing post flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution, with 5+ years relevant industry experience
• Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion operations and testing experience
• Aerospace high pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience
• Experience with 3‑D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA, etc.
• Ability to make critical split‑second decisions in high stress situations
• Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• A passion for rockets and sending people to space!

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience with real‑time monitoring of critical systems
• Experience with propulsion Ground Support Equipment
• Experience with data analysis software such as MatLab
• Knowledge of pressure system design and build codes such as ASME B31.3, BPVC, API standards etc. is also a strong plus.
• 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
• Experience with typical rocket propellants (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, etc.) is a strong plus.
• Experience with fault tree analysis and multidisciplinary trade studies
• Experience developing requirements and executing verification plans
• Knowledge of or experience with pressure system design and build codes such as ASME B31.3, BPVC, API standards
• Hands‑on mechanical and electrical experience

Physical And/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends in accordance with flight operations schedules as needed
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours minimum
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $118,031.00 –$180,069.00. 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.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: [e-mail]

Mandatory Notices

Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights

Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal