Specialist Engineer

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Mechanical Engineer to join a dynamic avionics engineering team in California. You will design and draft flight hardware, wire harnesses, LRUs and instrumentation, collaborating with multiple groups to meet demanding aerospace requirements on tight schedules.

You will prototype, hand‑on design, and work with technicians on the vehicle, while leading projects and ensuring safety, quality, and timely execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree required.
• 12+ years in mechanical design.
• Aerospace focus preferred; experience with flight hardware.

Responsibilities

• Create engineering drawings for parts and assemblies in 3DExperience and CATIA V5.
• Develop process specs and engineering standards.
• Lead design projects and develop schedules for scope.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace experience

3D modeling

Electrical schematics

Project leadership

Safety & compliance

Communication

Education

B.S. Engineering

Tools

3DExperience

Catia V5

Job description

We are looking for a Specialist Mechanical Engineer who preferably has a background in Hardware Integration. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The successful candidate would be part of a dynamic avionics engineering team. This candidate will need to be a great communicator who works well with others and can lead from the front while working alongside their team to get projects completed. The scope of your role includes flight avionics hardware, wire harnesses, LRUs, and instrumentation.

You will be creating innovative designs that meet our demanding requirements through prototyping, hands-on design and working directly with technicians on the vehicle as a part of our standard practice. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and coordinate with multiple groups, including structural integrity, systems, structures, production control, and supply chain.

Work Schedule

On-site 4 days a week in the Tustin, CA office and 1 day remote.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering drawings for parts, assemblies, and installations in 3DExperience & CATIA V5

• Develop process specifications and engineering standards

• Lead design projects and develop schedules for project scope

• Support production by producing rework/repair dispositions

• Maintain Action Item List/Burndown list to present to Integrated Product teams

• Develop custom reports such as long lead items and discrepancy lists

• Perform trade studies of multiple solutions to present to program leadership

• 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

• B.S. Engineering degree from an accredited university

• 12+ years of relevant work experience within mechanical design

• Relevant mechanical design & manufacturing experience preferably focused on or within aerospace

• Experience with 3D modeling in 3DExperience, Catia V5, or similar design package

• Experience with drafting using ASME Y14.5-2009 or later

• Experience with material and part selection

• Experience with interpreting electrical schematics and wiring

• Experience with vehicle instrumentation for flight test is a plus

• Experience with composite vehicles is a plus

• Experience with schematics in Microsoft Visio is a plus

• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior

• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

• 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 $136,063.00–$207,596.00. 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/f__blank.pdf)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal