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Propulsion

Propulsion Design Engineer II, Combustion

Virgin Galactic logoVirgin Galactic$118,031–$180,069/yrMojave, California, United StatesFull-timePosted 1w ago
  • US citizenship
  • ITAR / US person

How this pay compares

This posting states $118k–$180k a year. Open propulsion engineer jobs in California post a median of $151k a year, the middle half $130k–$170k, across 118 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.

Propulsion engineers in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Virgin Galactic is seeking an aerospace Propulsion Design Engineer II with experience in the design and analysis of solid or liquid propellant systems. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.

An ideal candidate would have experience working from high level system requirements to develop propulsion system level requirements and designs that the candidate supports throughout development, qualification, and operation.

Develops rapid prototypes for evaluation throughout design development process.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></span></p><ul><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Contribute to and lead design reviews, (PDR, CDR, etc) and create corresponding technical documentation (ATP, QTP, QTR, FMEA, etc.)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop statements of work (SOW) for new or revised products</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Review product design for conformance with system requirements, engineering principles, company standards and related specifications</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support New Product Introduction of designs onto Spaceship</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop test requirements and support the Testing Process as needed</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Interact professionally and technically with vendors as necessary in support of the team mission in a manner that supports Virgin Galactic values</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;">Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.</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><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.</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><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution with a m</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">inimum of 5 years of experience </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Proficient with GD&T terminology and symbols</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong team player and ability to work independently with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with the design and testing of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of regulations and/or standards (such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25), or standards set by the military or NASA</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with the design of hybrid rockets or alternatively liquid rocket engines</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience iterating on propulsion system design based on test results and operational experience</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiar with Military/Aerospace specifications (MIL, SAE, ASTM, RTCA DO-160D)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with Matlab and Simulink</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with stress analysis (FEA)</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;">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-AB1</span></p><p> </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 $118,031.00–$180,069.00.

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 <a title="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits" href="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits">https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits</a></span></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. De

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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