Senior Engineer, Propulsion Test

Virgin Galactic; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with propulsion development and qualification testing experience for our Mojave, California facility. You will define equipment, processes, and documentation to perform safe, repeatable tests on the Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle.

This hands-on role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work across teams to ensure test readiness, data analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics required
• 8+ years of related experience in propulsion development and testing
• Experience with liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing
• Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and engine/stage systems
• Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, and reporting
• Data analysis of test data and reporting
• Coordination with multiple support organizations (SMA, regulatory bodies)
• Ground support equipment design and analysis experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors to plan and conduct critical development and qualification tests
• Coordinate test requirements and develop test procedures
• Manage test site activities and operation of GSE for hybrid rocket motor and stage systems
• Ensure GSE is maintained and documented for ongoing testing and flight operations
• Analyze work flow and optimize equipment layout for efficiency
• Support test operations as well as propulsion design and production activities
• Coordinate with vendors to define product specs and procure equipment
• Analyze test data and prepare reports and presentations
• Estimate fabrication times, staffing, and costs for management decisions

Skills

Team player

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

GSE - Ground Test Support Equipment

Data analysis tools

Job description

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. In this role, you develop and establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle. The engineer in this position will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, process, systems, and materials in order to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This role is for a hands‑on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.

This is a full‑time position at the VG’s aerospace facility in Mojave, California.

Responsibilities

• Partner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double‑check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests
• Coordination of test requirements and development of test procedures
• Coordination of all test site activities, operation of all ground test support equipment (GSE) and test operations for the hybrid rocket motor and stage system (GSE includes propellant and Pressurant storage and transportation equipment
• Verifying all GSE is in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support on‑going testing and flight operations
• Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Support test operations as well as hybrid rocket design, analysis, and production activities
• Confer with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards
• Analize test data and write reports/make presentations
• Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics
• 8+ years of role related experience
• Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Specifically, experience with:
• Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systems
• Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting
• Data analysis of test dataTest control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocol
• Coordination of multiple support organizations (S&MA, regulatory bodies)
• Ground support equipment and high‑pressure fluid design and analysis experience
• Strong team player
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Excellent organizational skills and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent computer skills, word, excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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 high‑performance teams including engineers, production technicians and ground/flight operations personnel
• Fluid and thermodynamic analysis experience

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $143,031.00-$218,132.00. 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

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

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