Virgin Galactic - Tustin, CA
posted 5 months ago
Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced conceptual design engineer with a strong background in aerospace vehicle sizing and configuration integration of trans-atmospheric vehicles. This role is pivotal in supporting ongoing activities that aim to transform the future of high-speed suborbital global mobility. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing, evaluating, and formulating development strategies for vehicle configuration designs that are disruptive, safe, and reusable, ultimately contributing to global connectivity. The engineer will provide technical leadership and mentorship, fostering a culture of continual improvement and quality within the Research and Development (R&D) team. In this position, you will lead conceptual-level design, layout, and vehicle integration/packaging activities during the development of high-speed vehicles. You will define technical requirements and establish a clear path to meet those requirements. Collaboration with the extended Virgin Galactic engineering organization is essential, as you will integrate flight sciences, mass properties, and other disciplines as part of design programs. Performing trade studies will be a key responsibility, focusing on vehicle configuration, weight, performance, structural and equipment layout, propulsion, and payload. You will also be tasked with providing Outer Mold Line surface definition, wing planform design, fuselage shaping, control surface placement, propulsion placement, and subsystems integration, all while adhering to aerospace best practices. Preparing performance specifications, requirements, and statement of work documents for both internal team members and suppliers will be part of your duties. Additionally, you will execute existing Virgin Galactic conceptual design analysis programs and support the development or acquisition of new conceptual design software tools and methods. Reviewing work and technical findings from both internal team members and suppliers, as well as presenting these findings to management and senior leadership through design reviews and program milestones, will be crucial aspects of your role. You will also develop customer presentations and provide engineering reports, specifications, and proposal inputs.