Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The engineer must have a strong passion for rockets and human spaceflight. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in engineering operations. This role requires critical thinking across hardware integration and product lifecycles. Experience with typical rocket propellants from student rocket competitions (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, etc.) is a strong plus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences at Spaceport America. </span><br><br></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Relocation assistance available.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p><br><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Responsibilities </strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Coordinating, and executing operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gases loading</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Providing real-time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor system performance and recommend corrective actions as required</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintaining and operating Ground Support Equipment for flight operations</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Proficient with propulsion systems for on-ship maintenance, pre-flight, and post-flight activities</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Assisting with designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolving and dispositioning rocket motor system issues and implementing future improvements</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommending concepts for component or system redesign based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Assisting with authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping and instrumentation diagrams)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Performing post flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3-D modeling knowledge</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with data analysis software such as MatLab</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to make critical split-second decisions in high stress situations</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem-solving skills</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-motivated, self-starter</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A passion for rockets and sending people to space! </span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Internship/Co-op experience</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with student rocket launch competitions</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with 3-D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA, etc.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">High pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands-on mechanical and electrical experience </span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Physical and/or Additional Requirements</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Must be able to work evenings and weekends in accordance with flight operations schedules as needed </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours minimum</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to lift up to 50 pounds</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">#LI-JS1</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $88,279.00 </span><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">–$127,942.00</span><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit </span><a style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" title="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits" href="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits">https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits</a></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Who We Are</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles</span><span style="color:#000099">.</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Export Requirements </span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, 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. See list <strong><u><a href="https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fofac.treasury.gov%2Fspecially-designated-nationals-list-data-formats-data-schemas&data=05%7C01%7CSandi.Kosaka%40virgingalactic.com%7C5c47d814f3664ac6bb2a08dbc1063575%7Ca9008a03b053484687d345880ffa31a1%7C0%7C0%7C638316004624246835%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=px2%2BAC1K7DW630GR8Iqm8cc2OQohKudkYOGJrZ%2FqKVw%3D&reserved=0">here</a></u></strong>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">EEO Statement</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Drug Free Workplace</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Phoenix Employment Requirements</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Accommodation Requests</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: <strong><a title="" href="mailto:VGTalent@virgingalactic.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VGTalent@virgingalactic.com</a> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Mandatory Notices</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hc" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights">Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6he" title="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/e-verify_participation_poster_eng_es.pdf" href="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf">E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hg" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act">Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hi" title="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_eeoc_knowyourrights6.12screenrdr.pdf" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal">Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal</a> </span></p>