Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Virgin Galactic; California (MO); On-site; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation Engineer to own 6DOF flight dynamics modeling, trajectory simulation, and stability & control analysis. You will lead MATLAB-based tooling and collaborate across aero/thermal, loads, and flight test teams to predict vehicle behavior and support safety assessments.

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining trajectory tools, Monte Carlo simulations, aerodynamic models, and simulation architecture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering; or 6 years with a Master's; or PhD with 3 years.
• Experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF models.
• Strong understanding of aircraft stability & control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling.
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods for trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills strongly preferred if MATLAB is less extensive.
• Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives.
• Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools with 6DOF models.
• Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle: version control, validation, documentation.
• Develop aerodynamic and stability & control models for performance.
• Support flight test planning, procedures, and post-flight analysis.
• Analyze flight test data to update models and derivatives.
• Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD and wind tunnel data.
• Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines in MATLAB and Python.
• Collaborate with System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering.
• Produce analyses, documentation, and presentations for program reviews and safety.

Skills

Flight dynamics

6DOF modeling

Monte Carlo methods

MATLAB

Python

Stability & control

Handling qualities

Aerospace systems

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's degree

PhD (benefit)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation Engineer with strong experience in flight dynamics modeling, trajectory simulation, and stability and control analysis. Guided by our values, 'Safety Above All', we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Serve as the SME for Aerodynamic & Flight Simulation within the System Analysis team, owning technical depth in that domain while interfacing with adjacent disciplines across engineering. In this role, you will be a primary contributor to the development and maintenance of simulation tools that support trajectory analysis, handling qualities evaluation, and Monte Carlo-based uncertainty characterization across our suborbital SpaceShip and Launch Vehicle programs. You will help develop and sustain the simulation infrastructure that supports flight test planning, safety assessments, and vehicle envelope expansion.

This position offers the opportunity to own and evolve a MATLAB-based simulation architecture, collaborate closely with flight test teams, and directly influence vehicle behavior predictions that affect mission success. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools, including 6DOF flight dynamics models, pilot/control system models, and Monte Carlo simulation analysis frameworks
• Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle - version control, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement
• Develop aerodynamic and stability & control models for vehicle performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics
• Support flight test planning, limitations review, procedures, and post-flight analysis
• Analyze flight test data to identify aerodynamic derivatives and update stability & control models
• Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD, engineering methods, and wind tunnel data
• Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines using MATLAB and Python
• Collaborate across System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering
• Produce analyses, documentation, and technical presentations supporting program reviews and safety assessments
• Contribute to best practices and standards for simulation tool development and aerodynamic modeling
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF flight dynamics
• Strong understanding of aircraft stability & control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods applied to trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis
• Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills are strongly preferred or required if MATLAB proficiency is less extensive
• Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives and correlate models
• Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems
• 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

• Experience developing or integrating pilot models or control system models within a simulation environment
• Familiarity with simulation architecture best practices (modularity, validation frameworks, CI/CD for engineering tools)
• Experience with aerodynamic database development and integration into simulation tools
• CFD familiarity or experience with aerodynamic experimental methods
• Exposure to nonlinear aerodynamics or high-angle-of-attack modeling
• Experience with flight test execution and instrumentation
• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00-$166,036.00. 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.

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