Head of Structural Stress Engineering

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Sr. Manager, Stress Engineering to lead a team focused on structures, mechanical systems, fatigue, durability and damage tolerance, propulsion, interiors, and related engineering processes.

The role emphasizes safety, process improvement, and data-driven decisions across programs. The successful candidate will mentor engineers, drive digital transformation of structural integrity methods, manage staffing and budgets, and collaborate with program leaders to align

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM with 8+ years in Stress-related disciplines.
• 7+ years in engineering leadership and team development.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace stress practices and data acquisition.
• Experience with Fatigue and Damage Tolerance substantiation.
• Experience with composite fabrication, design and analysis.
• Experience with full-scale testing in FAR 23/25 or DoD context.
• Strong analytical, communication, and scheduling skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and improve stress capabilities, resources and procedures.
• Track team schedule and budget; report to senior leadership.
• Provide technical review of stress plans, procedures and designs.
• Develop recovery plans with engineering and program staff.
• Mentor and grow stress engineers; hire and onboard.
• Drive continuous improvement of stress processes and training.
• Coordinate tools, methods and processes for stress team.
• Champion automation and digital transformation in structural integrity.
• Develop and manage department budget inputs.
• Participate in technical reviews to ensure requirements are met.
• Collaborate with product development leaders to resolve issues.

Skills

Leadership

Fatigue & Damage Tolerance

Structural analysis

Communication

Team development

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Sr. Manager, Stress Engineering to lead a team focused on structures, mechanical systems, fatigue, durability and damage tolerance, propulsion, interiors, and related engineering processes.

The role emphasizes safety, process improvement, and data-driven decisions across programs. The successful candidate will mentor engineers, drive digital transformation of structural integrity methods, manage staffing and budgets, and collaborate with program leaders to align