Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations

About the Role

• This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences at Spaceport America.
• Relocation assistance is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating and executing operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gases loading.
• Providing real-time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor system performance and recommend corrective actions as required.
• Maintaining and operating Ground Support Equipment for flight operations.
• Performing on-ship maintenance, pre-flight, and post-flight activities for propulsion systems.
• Assisting with designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations.
• Resolving and dispositioning rocket motor system issues and implementing future improvements.
• Reviewing operational data to identify areas for further development, testing, analyses, and improvement to ensure the system meets and exceeds all requirements for performance, safety, and reliability.
• Recommending concepts for component or system redesign based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability.
• Assisting with authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping and instrumentation diagrams).
• Performing post flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data.
• Continuously practicing safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhering to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Working collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 3-D modeling knowledge.
• Experience with data analysis software such as MatLab.
• Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high stress situations.
• Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, self-starter.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A passion for rockets and sending people to space.
• Experience with typical rocket propellants from student rocket competitions (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, etc.) is a strong plus.
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical experience.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Internship/Co-op experience.
• Experience with student rocket launch competitions.
• Experience with 3-D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA, etc.
• High pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience.
• Knowledge of or experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA.

Physical And/Or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends in accordance with flight operations schedules as needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours minimum.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Export Requirements

• Applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.