Engineer II, Stress

Virgin Galactic; California; On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Stress Engineer II to support both vehicle design/build and flight test operations, performing structural analysis to ensure integrity of components, assemblies, and systems. You will develop FE models, review analyses, coordinate with teams, and mentor junior engineers to meet safety and program milestones.

Responsibilities include developing analysis criteria, documenting results, and supporting manufacturing plans and test programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis.
• Solid understanding of material properties, statics, and load paths.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively.
• Proven technical writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using classical methods and finite element analysis.
• Develop and/or utilize finite element models (global and discrete).
• Review, update, and create engineering analytical definitions of components and systems.
• Prepare clear and concise reports summarizing information.
• Play an integral role in workflow release for structural design.
• Support reviews of manufacturing plans to ensure design/load compliance.
• Contribute to test plans to verify manufacturing and testing.
• Develop standardized analysis criteria and templates.
• Work independently for moderate periods under senior guidance.
• Coordinate with engineering stakeholders during design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation.
• Adhere to directions to support collaboration across teams.
• Mentor more junior team members.

Skills

Aerospace structural analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Independent work

MS Office proficiency

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering

PhD (no experience)

Tools

FEMAP

HyperX

TMP Slim/Vision

NASTRAN

CAD software

Oracle ERP

PLM software

Job description

The Stress Engineer II will support both vehicle design/build and flight test operations directly, via hands on assessment and analytical substantiation of vehicles in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.

You will be involved in both build and vehicle operations phases of programs. Stress Engineers interface and collaborate with other disciplines, including but not limited to: Structures Design, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using classical methods and finite element analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop and/or utilize finite element models (global and discrete)
• Review, update, and create engineering analytical definition of components, assemblies, and systems (analysis documentation)
• Prepare clear and concise reports that collect, analyze, and summarize information
• Play an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design
• Support review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and load requirements
• Support the creation of structural component and system test plans which will be used to verify manufacturing and testing
• Develop standardized analysis criteria and templates
• Work independently for moderate periods under guidance of senior engineers and produce work that meets industry and company standards, tolerances, weight and cost targets.
• Coordinate with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete project
• Mentor more junior team members

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience and Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience, Minimum of 3 years' prior experience in structural analysis of aerospace primary structure
• Solid understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths.
• Ability to work independently and cross‐functionally and ensure effective collaboration across teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office, technical writing skills, the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders.
• Ability to work quickly and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment as part of a team or individually.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, transparent, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, etc.)
• Knowledge of composite aircraft structural analysis and familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components.
• Previous experience with Finite Element Modeling and Analysis
• Previous experience with FEMAP, HyperX, TMP Slim/Vision, NASTRAN
• Familiarity with CAD software to design aircraft/spacecraft structures and components
• Knowledge of and / or experience with Fatigue & Damage Tolerance analysis
• Familiarity with MRB tasks associated with dispositioning non-conformant metallic and composite components resulting from manufacturing, assembly, or field operations
• Experience with manufacturing-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Oracle
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software), requirements management tools, and configuration management.
• 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 is highly desired

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $88,477.00-$134,981.00. 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.