Test Specialist Engineer Iron Bird

$105,700 - $105,700/Yr

Virgin Galactic - Tustin, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Tustin, CA

Air Transportation

About the position

We are seeking an Iron Bird Test Specialist Engineer to join the Delta Program Test Team at Virgin Galactic. This role is pivotal in leading the entire project cycle from concept through completion, ensuring that all aspects of the project are meticulously planned and executed. The successful candidate will develop basic work plans that encompass scheduling, budgeting, and resource definition for the assigned scope of work. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and obtaining the necessary resources to complete the assigned scope, while also managing commitments across multiple projects. The Iron Bird Test Specialist Engineer will be responsible for designing test plans and equipment aimed at validating complex mechanical or structural components and systems. This includes writing detailed test plans and procedures that define and support the execution of tests. The role demands a high degree of independence, as the engineer will work with minimal guidance and under general supervision. Additionally, the engineer will lead small projects that have manageable risks and resource requirements, interfacing with internal customers on integrated program teams to establish and verify specific test requirements. Coordination is key in this role, as the engineer will prepare and organize materials for team meetings and reviews, and work closely with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture, and assemble test articles and test stand hardware and equipment. Collaboration with the supply chain team is also essential to identify and bid outside contracts for suppliers and equipment providers. Participation in the test engineering review, approval, and release process is expected, along with reviewing major decisions or scope changes with the Technical/Project Lead. The engineer will also coordinate with other disciplines and execute additional duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leads an entire project cycle from concept through completion.
• Develops basic work plans (schedule, budget, resource definition) for assigned scope.
• Proactively identifies and obtains resources required to complete assigned scope.
• Designs test plans and equipment for validation of complex mechanical or structural components and systems.
• Writes test plans and procedures to define and support execution of tests.
• Works independently while receiving minimal guidance and under general supervision.
• Leads small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
• Interfaces with internal customers on integrated program teams to establish and verify specific test requirements.
• Coordinates, prepares, and organizes materials for team meetings and reviews.
• Works with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture and assemble test articles and test stand hardware and equipment.
• Collaborates with the supply chain team to identify and bid outside contracts for suppliers/equipment providers.
• Participates in the test engineering review, approval, and release process.
• Reviews major decisions or scope changes with Technical/Project Lead.
• Coordinates with other disciplines.
• Executes other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in test engineering or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and structural testing methodologies.
• Ability to develop and manage project plans effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interface with internal customers and teams.
• Proficiency in writing detailed test plans and procedures.
• Experience in coordinating with vendors and suppliers for test equipment and materials.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with aerospace testing environments.
• Familiarity with project management software and tools.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in aerospace testing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.