Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations
About the job
<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 tig
From Virgin Galactic's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Virgin Galactic
Winged spaceships that carry people to the edge of space.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Virgin Galactic's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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