Specialist Engineer, Structures Design

Virgin Galactic$160,544–$244,948/yrTustin, California, United StatesFull-timePosted 1w ago

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How this pay compares

This posting states $161k–$245k a year. Open mechanical engineer jobs in California post a median of $158k a year, the middle half $130k–$180k, across 266 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post.

Mechanical engineers in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Structures Design Engineer eager to participate in innovative/unique aerospace vehicle design activities. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.

The responsibilities will range from early concept and development, through full production, life cycle and sustainment. The primary tasks involve developing engineering definition for system components and assemblies while optimizing for operation, maintenance, and commercial service.

Engineers in this position will also be expected to manage a team of design engineers, oversee supplier efforts, review drawings and planned manufacturing procedures to ensure compliance with design specifications and intentions, and support test definition for verification testing of components and subsystems. This position can be located in Mesa, AZ or in Tustin, CA working on-site 4 days a week and 1 day remote. Responsibilities:<ul><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Pioneer conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs of aircraft/spacecraft structural configuration layouts by:<ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Creating components or portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and support manufacturing operations.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Integrating vehicle systems.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Creating and releasing detailed 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and drawings of metallic and composite parts.</li></ul></li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity. </li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Lead and coordinate the activities of a team of design engineers within an assigned project.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Act as technical design authority and evaluate completed work for clarity, conformity to industry and company standards, tolerances, materials, accuracy of calculations and dimensions.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Identify design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies, and recommend revisions and/or improvements in design layout to responsible engineers or designers.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Review designs for fit, function, manufacturability, economy of fabrication.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Modify designs based on cost, weight and manufacturing targets and capabilities.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Lead by example and inspire team collaboration with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Review manufacturing plans/procedures, assembly, and installation processes to ensure quality, and compliance with design requirements.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Support production and operations teams to ensure vehicle readiness for flight.

This includes involvement in fabrication, implementation, and MRB activities.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Participate in the continuous improvement of design practices, procedures, and technologies.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Prepare and author various manuals/templates such as design standard and best practices, procedures, and processes.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Identify process deficiencies and develop solutions to improve those deficiencies.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Mentor and participate in knowledge transfer/training of teammates.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Provide design engineering support by answering questions and requests from internal or external customers.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Prepare clear and concise reports that collect, analyze, and summarize information.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. </li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks </li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects. </li></ul> Required Skills & Experience:<ul><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">12+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with a strong design emphasis.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">In-depth knowledge of composite aircraft structural design and familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Significant prior work experience designing aircraft/spacecraft primary and secondary, fastened or bonded composite structures. </li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Prior work experience designing for vehicle systems integration accommodation.</li><li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Expert knowledge in using CAD sof

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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