Principal Loads Engineer

Company: Virgin Galactic
Location: Mojave
Posted on: August 7, 2022

Job Description:

Who we areVirgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE) Virgin Galactic recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space. Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology. From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space it is clear that there is much more that unites than divides us.We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody - and change the world for good. Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin GalacticIf you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver, and can make things happen - apply today!Your MissionThe Principal Loads Engineer will be responsible for advancing the external loads development for the suborbital spaceplane SpaceShipTwo, the mothership Eve, and other special projects. The Principal Loads Engineer will also be responsible for providing technical leadership and mentorship, promoting a culture of continual improvement and quality within the Loads Team.

• Support loads event simulation model development and validation of loads criteria for suborbital space missions and other unconventional configurations
• Support pre-flight preparation including review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysis
• Work with other internal and external engineering groups to ensure proper application of design and loads requirements
• Develop airframe and component loads for structural design and qualification
• Support entry into commercial service by ensuring that regulatory and internal company requirements related to loads are met
• Develop standardized analysis and reporting tools
• Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and data created with analytical tools
• Develop and maintain loads databases representing all mission phases
• Develop and substantiate rational loads criteria and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations
• Provide technical leadership throughout the engineering organization
• Develop and improve standards, processes, and best practices
• Develop technical roadmaps, concepts, and approaches that establish strategic direction for the company
• Lead projects, peers, and cross functional teams to solve complex problems and manage risk
• Exercise wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches
• Act as mentor and coach; support individuals and teams in their professional developmentWhat you bring
  • Graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, and/or equivalent, with a minimum of 15 years of related experience
  • Test planning experience, including flight and ground testing, writing test plans, instrumentation selection and planning, and data verification
  • Test execution experience, including familiarity with standard flight test practices and safety processes
  • Experience in flight test aerodynamic and loads model validation and correlation
  • Experience with full aircraft analysis - transonic required, launch vehicle desirable, supersonic highly desirable
  • Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems
  • Experience with flight dynamics 6DOF trajectory simulation
  • Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria (FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, MilSpec, etc.)
  • Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Python, C, C++
  • Experience with CATIA V5 and NASTRAN
  • Strong ability to work system tasks, and adept at communicating with multiple interfaces
  • Proven ability to lead technical work in an environment with multiple stakeholders
  • Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills
  • Ability to successfully complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision and oversight
  • Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR -120.15) Preferred Skills and Experience
    • Knowledge of software development best practices like code review and configuration management
    • Working knowledge of FORTRAN, Simulink
    • Experience in other Flight Sciences disciplines Physical and/or Additional RequirementsEven though the position can be predominantly remote, the candidate is expected to travel to our California and New Mexico sites as required.ITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR -120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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.As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as newly hired employees. As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19virus, ("fully vaccinated" means at least two week have expired since receiving the vaccination's last dose as recommended by the manufacturer). If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met be your date of hire. Virgin Galactic complies with federal, state, and local laws with regard to accommodations related to this policy.#LI-HYBRID#LI-DR1

Keywords: Virgin Galactic, Lancaster , Principal Loads Engineer, Engineering , Mojave, California