Sr. Engineer, Propulsion Test

Virgin Galactic; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in Mojave, California is seeking a Senior Test Engineer with electrical system development and qualification testing experience. You will develop requirements and documentation for tests in support of the Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle.

This hands-on role requires attention to detail and strong people skills. Responsibilities include partnering with engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors to plan tests, develop procedures,

Qualifications

• 8+ years in DACS, instrumentation engineering, and electrical circuit design
• Development of test requirements and procedures for rocket engine systems
• Experience with test readiness reviews and issue tracking
• Familiar with test control room procedures and etiquette
• Coordinate with S&MA and regulatory bodies
• GSE and high‑pressure fluid design/analysis experience
• Electronics testing, troubleshooting, and data analysis
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities
• Proficiency with CATIA V5, MATLAB, and LabVIEW is preferred
• BS in engineering/physics or related field

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors to analyze systems and plan tests
• Coordinate test requirements and develop procedures
• Ensure electrical systems and test facilities are in good working order
• Plan workforce utilization and workspace layout for efficiency
• Liaise with vendors for specs and procurement
• Estimate fabrication times, staffing, and costs
• Coordinate with management on testing schedules and activities
• Design and implement a DACS for stand and lab testing

Skills

DACS

Instrumentation

Electrical design

Test procedures

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team player

Communication

Documentation

CATIA V5

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering/Physics)

Tools

CATIA V5

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with electrical system development and qualification testing experience. 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, processes, systems, and materials 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.

• 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.

• Verifying all electrical systems in ground control and test facilities are in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support ongoing testing and flight operations.

• Analyzes and plans workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.

• Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange for the purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.

• Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.

• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding fabrication capabilities, schedules, and other considerations to facilitate testing activities.

• Design and implement Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) for the test stand and for lab testing.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics

• 8+ years of experience in Data Acquisition and Control Systems (DACS), Instrumentation Engineering, and Electrical Circuit Design

• Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systems

• Knowledge and understanding of

• Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting

• Test 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

• Electronics testing in laboratory environment; strong troubleshooting and data analysis skill required

• Strong team player; excellent interpersonal and coaching skills; ability to work successfully with all levels of the organization.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills

• Standard computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; CATIA V5, Matlab, Labview strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with COPV

• Test system development using LabVIEW

• Wiring harness design, production, and implementation

• 5+ years’ experience in liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing.

• 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 $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 and 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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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/fvfen.pdf)

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