Specialist Stress Engineer, Internal Loads

The Specialist Engineer within the Internal Loads Group of VG Stress will be tasked with addressing and solving the most difficult engineering challenges pertaining to finite element modeling work within the Stress discipline. This will be accomplished through creation and curation of models, tools, methods, and guidelines development. The Specialist Engineer for Internal Loads within Stress will support both vehicle design/build and flight test operations directly via this work, in support of substantiation of vehicles and equipment in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. Stress Engineers will interface and collaborate with varied other disciplines, including but not limited to: Flight Sciences (External Loads, Thermal, Aero, etc.), Structures Design, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for proper creation and validation of vehicle-level global finite element models, as well as discrete breakout models.

• Creation and curation of tools, macros, guidelines, and department documents using knowledge of industry standard finite element modeling and analysis requirements, techniques, software, and programming languages

• Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design via generation of guidelines and standardization of modeling and analysis techniques and processes.

• Responsibility for tasking and leading small teams of engineers through projects / assignments

• May perform structural analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components, assemblies, and systems

• Mentorship of more junior team members

Required Skills and Experience

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

• Minimum 12 years' prior experience in structural analysis or "Stress-adjacent" disciplines of aerospace engineering (examples: Loads, Methods, Durability and Damage Tolerance)

• Minimum 8 years' prior experience in Internal Loads and Modeling specifically

• Excellent understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths.

• Strong foundational knowledge and understanding of stress analysis procedures, failure modes, failure theories, and applicable calculations (both Static and Fatigue / Durability / Damage Tolerance)

• Proficient in coding / macro creation in one or more programming languages (VBA, Python, C++, etc)

• Expertise in creating and interrogating FEA models, including pre and post processing of NASTRAN models and associated sizing of structure and system components

• Strong teamwork and coordination skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of tools, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

• Proficiency with MATLAB, Mathcad, and other industry standard software

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience with FEMAP is a strong plus

• Proficient in coding via Python and VBA

• Prior experience performing liaison / MRB activities in aerospace stress applications is a plus

• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems, such as Oracle is a plus

• 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 is highly desired

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $132,100.00-$201,550.00. 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 ~~~ (~~~.)

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity's relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it's supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what's possible.

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, 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.