Propulsion Design Engineer II, Combustion

Virgin Galactic; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking an aerospace Propulsion Design Engineer II with experience in solid or liquid propellant systems. You will translate high-level system requirements into propulsion designs and develop rapid prototypes through the design development process.

You will lead design reviews, write technical docs, and work with vendors to ensure safety and compliance. This role emphasizes collaboration and timely delivery, with a focus on propulsion system development for spaceships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in propulsion or related aerospace engineering.
• Experience with design reviews, system requirements, and PDR/CDR processes.
• Familiarity with MIL, SAE, ASTM, RTCA DO-160D specifications.
• Proficient in Matlab/Simulink and FEA for propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design reviews (PDR, CDR) and produce technical docs (ATP, QTP, QTR, FMEA).
• Develop statements of work (SOW) for new or revised products.
• Review design conformance to system requirements and standards.
• Support New Product Introduction of designs to Spaceship.
• Develop test requirements and support Testing Process.
• Interact with vendors to support the team mission.
• Maintain safety practices and FOD awareness; follow regulatory protocols.
• Deliver tasks on time and coordinate with team leaders.
• Collaborate across teams to complete projects.
• Adhere to team directions for cross-team collaboration.

Skills

Aerospace Eng deg

GD&T

Team player

Communication

MS Office

Matlab/Simulink

FEA

Flight vehicle design

MIL/SAE specs

Propulsion experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking an aerospace Propulsion Design Engineer II with experience in the design and analysis of solid or liquid propellant systems. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. An ideal candidate would have experience working from high level system requirements to develop propulsion system level requirements and designs that the candidate supports throughout development, qualification, and operation. Develops rapid prototypes for evaluation throughout design development process.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and lead design reviews, (PDR, CDR, etc) and create corresponding technical documentation (ATP, QTP, QTR, FMEA, etc.)

• Develop statements of work (SOW) for new or revised products

• Review product design for conformance with system requirements, engineering principles, company standards and related specifications

• Support New Product Introduction of designs onto Spaceship

• Develop test requirements and support the Testing Process as needed

• Interact professionally and technically with vendors as necessary in support of the team mission in a manner that supports Virgin Galactic values

• 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 Aerospace, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution with a minimum of 5 years of experience

• Proficient with GD&T terminology and symbols

• Strong team player and ability to work independently with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience with the design and testing of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of regulations and/or standards (such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25), or standards set by the military or NASA

• Experience with the design of hybrid rockets or alternatively liquid rocket engines

• Experience iterating on propulsion system design based on test results and operational experience

• Familiar with Military/Aerospace specifications (MIL, SAE, ASTM, RTCA DO‑160D)

• Experience with Matlab and Simulink

• Experience with stress analysis (FEA)

• 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)

#LI-AB1

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.

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 (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf)

E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es

Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/failymed_leave.pdf)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal