Sr. Manager, Stress Engineering

$105,700 - $105,700/Yr

Virgin Galactic - Tustin, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Tustin, CA

Air Transportation

About the position

The Sr. Manager, Stress Engineering at Virgin Galactic will play a pivotal role in leading a team of analysis engineers who focus on various critical aspects of engineering including structures, mechanical systems, fatigue, durability, damage tolerance, propulsion, and interiors. This position is essential for overseeing and enhancing Virgin Galactic's stress capabilities, resources, and procedures to align with the engineering organization's needs and the requirements of all VG programs. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for tracking the stress team's schedule and budget, providing regular updates to senior leadership and program staff, and ensuring that engineering documentation such as stress plans, procedures, and reports are technically reviewed and approved. In this role, the Sr. Manager will also be tasked with resolving any schedule and technical setbacks by developing and implementing practical recovery plans in collaboration with engineering and program staff. A significant aspect of this position involves supporting the development and growth of the team, emphasizing mentorship and career development for stress engineers. Continuous improvement of stress activities will be a priority, including the automation of manual processes and the establishment of standard Structural Integrity Methods as part of the Digital Transformation initiative. The Sr. Manager will coordinate processes and plans to ensure timely and accurate engineering substantiation while promoting a culture of risk management and opportunity identification within the team. Fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity and creative problem-solving is crucial, as is ensuring the integrity of engineering decisions through data-driven approaches. The role also encompasses resource planning, staffing needs assessment, and the onboarding and retention of team members, alongside regular performance evaluations and career planning discussions. Additionally, the Sr. Manager will collaborate with Human Resources to cultivate a “people first” culture, addressing personnel-related matters promptly. This position requires a proactive approach to managing team dynamics, ensuring compliance with company policies, and executing other duties as assigned by Virgin Galactic's senior leadership to support overall company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of analysis engineers focusing on structures, mechanical systems, fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance.
• Oversee and improve VG's stress capabilities, resources, and procedures to meet engineering needs.
• Track stress team schedule and budget, reporting results to senior leadership and program staff.
• Provide technical review and approval of engineering documentation including stress plans and reports.
• Resolve schedule and technical setbacks by developing recovery plans with engineering staff.
• Support team development through hiring, mentorship, and career development of stress engineers.
• Drive continuous improvement of stress activities and processes.
• Develop and implement engineering tools and methods for the functional area.
• Champion automation of manual processes in line with Digital Transformation initiatives.
• Establish processes and plans for timely and accurate engineering substantiation.
• Promote identification and management of team risks and opportunities.
• Foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity and creative problem-solving.
• Ensure integrity of engineering decisions through informed, data-driven approaches.
• Plan resources and determine program assignments for the team.
• Interface with engineering managers to generate technical approach plans and staffing requirements.
• Attract, hire, onboard, and retain team members effectively.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and provide performance management and mentoring.
• Resolve performance deficiencies or policy violations as necessary.
• Ensure team members have defined tools and methods for their tasks.
• Integrate best practices across development programs and ensure compliance with technical requirements.
• Participate in technical reviews for product development activities.
• Support review of manufacturing plans to ensure compliance with design and loads requirements.
• Create structural stress plans to verify manufacturing processes meet design intent.
• Develop departmental budget inputs and manage the approved budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Conduct personnel evaluations and develop growth and development plans for team members.
• Partner with HR to promote a people-first culture and resolve personnel-related matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in stress engineering or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of structural analysis and engineering principles.
• Experience with fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance analysis.
• Familiarity with propulsion and mechanical systems engineering.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and schedules effectively.
• Experience in mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Proficiency in engineering tools and software relevant to stress analysis.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in aerospace or related industries.
• Familiarity with Digital Transformation initiatives in engineering.
• Knowledge of automation tools and processes.
• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance including dental and vision.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Flexible work hours and remote work options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Employee discounts on company products and services.