Specialist Engineer, Spaceship Propulsion Design

$105,700 - $105,700/Yr

Virgin Galactic - Tustin, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Tustin, CA

Air Transportation

About the position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Engineer with a strong background in propulsion design, analysis, and production manufacturing. This role is pivotal in the development of the hybrid propulsion system for the Spaceship, where the engineer will be responsible for designing, modeling, and analyzing engineering solutions for various components and subsystems. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of best engineering practices, which will be essential in assisting the propulsion team throughout the development phases, including ground tests and flight tests. In this position, the Specialist Engineer will collaborate closely with the Spaceship Propulsion team to create innovative designs for propulsion systems. This includes developing detailed 3D CAD models and 2D engineering definitions for parts, assemblies, and installations within the Spaceship. The engineer will also establish manufacturing tolerances necessary for the production of components and will be responsible for documenting system requirements and interface constraints for these components. The role requires a proactive approach to reviewing and updating engineering analytical definitions, performing preliminary stress analyses, and playing a crucial role in the workflow release process for all designs. The Specialist Engineer will support the review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with established requirements and will coordinate with other engineering disciplines to guarantee component performance in various flight environments. Additionally, the engineer will be involved in verification activities to ensure that the propulsion system meets all specified requirements, participating in the review, approval, and release processes of engineering definitions. Throughout the lifecycle of components, from prototype to final acceptance, the engineer will provide support for modifications and repairs post-installation, utilizing engineering judgment to address manufacturing issues and support nonconformance reports (NCR).

Responsibilities

• Develop designs for Spaceship Propulsion systems in collaboration with the propulsion team.
• Create 3D CAD models and 2D engineering definitions for detail parts, assemblies, and installations inside the Spaceship.
• Establish manufacturing tolerances for the production of components.
• Document system requirements and interface constraints for components.
• Review, update, and compile engineering analytical definitions.
• Perform preliminary stress analysis on components and systems.
• Participate in the workflow release process for all designs.
• Support the review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Coordinate with other disciplines to ensure component performance in flight environments.
• Support verification activities to ensure the propulsion system meets requirements.
• Participate in the review, approval, and release process of engineering definitions.
• Support components throughout their full lifecycle from prototype to final acceptance, including modifications and repairs after installation.
• Evaluate manufacturing issues and support nonconformance reports (NCR) using engineering judgment.

Requirements

• Experience in propulsion design and analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and 2D engineering documentation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and tolerances.
• Ability to develop and document system requirements and interface constraints.
• Experience in performing stress analysis on engineering components.
• Familiarity with the workflow release process for engineering designs.
• Knowledge of manufacturing plans and procedures compliance.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience in verification activities for engineering systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and engineering judgment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with hybrid propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace engineering standards and practices.
• Knowledge of flight test procedures and requirements.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams.