Engineer II, Systems

Socket.dev; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Systems Engineer to design, develop and verify spaceflight systems. The role focuses on MBSE, requirements management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure safety and mission success.

Responsibilities span the full lifecycle, from concept to delivery, with emphasis on design reviews, interface management, and rigorous verification against demanding flight goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of systems engineering experience in aerospace.
• Proficiency with MBSE tools (Cameo) and DOORS for requirements.
• Experience defining and tracing system requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support systems engineering across the project lifecycle from concept to delivery.
• Define performance requirements and integrate interfaces across subsystems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on design and integration.
• Develop and manage system requirements with traceability.
• Contribute to design reviews and customer meetings.
• Perform system verification/validation to meet mission goals.
• Review test plans, procedures and data; maintain safety practices.

Skills

MBSE

Cameo

DOORS

System requirements

Verification & Validation

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM

Advanced degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

ENOVIA

SysML

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Systems Engineer to join the systems engineering team responsible for the design/development and verification of our innovative and unique space flight systems. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The Systems Engineer will join a team of talented systems engineers comprising discipline professionals with expertise, systems architecting, requirement definition, development and management and systems verification and validation. Our unique flight vehicles are critical components in allowing us to deliver a groundbreaking customer experience that includes compelling views of the earth from space, and a one-of-a-kind apogee experience that our customers will never forget. Our goal is to deliver a transformative experience that changes the way people look at the planet and their place in it.

Responsibilities

• Support systems engineering activities across the project lifecycle, from concept through delivery.
• Evaluate operational needs to define system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and integrate various subsystems.
• Develop and manage system requirements, ensuring traceability from high-level objectives down to component specifications, including interfaces
• Contribute to design trade studies and product development planning.
• Participate in major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and customer meetings.
• Perform system and requirements validation and verification to ensure compliance with mission goals.
• Review test plans, procedures, and reports; review test data and waivers.
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline
• Minimum 5 years of relevant systems engineering experience with either government or commercial aerospace/space programs.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using tools such as Cameo or equivalent.
• Proficiency in using requirements management tool (such as DOORS) for requirements capture and traceability.
• Experience with Requirements definition, specifications, integration and verification of avionics, aircraft mechanical systems, interior design, electrical systems, and structures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and passion for working in a team-driven culture.
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in Systems Engineering.
• Experience with DOORS, CAMEO, ENOVIA, SysML, MBSE, or comparable toolsets.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality and certification standards (AS9100, DO 178/254, ARP4754A).
• Positive, proactive, and resilient in dynamic environments.
• Passion for challenging the status quo to elevate engineering excellence.

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. 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.