Sr. Engineer, Propulsion Test
How this pay compares
This posting states $143k–$218k a year. Open test engineer jobs in California post a median of $155k a year, the middle half $135k–$177k, across 179 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post.
About the job
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Virgin Galactic is seeking a qualified Senior Test Engineer with electrical system development and qualification testing experience. In this role, you develop and establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of Hybrid Propulsion System installed in Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Vehicle.
The engineer in this position will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, processes, systems, and materials to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.
This is a full-time position at the VG’s aerospace facility in Mojave, California. </span></p><p> </p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Partner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors, and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double-check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Coordination of test requirements and development of test procedures.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Verifying all electrical systems in ground control and test facilities are in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support ongoing testing and flight operations.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Analyzes and plans workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange for the purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding fabrication capabilities, schedules, and other considerations to facilitate testing activities.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Design and implement Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) for the test stand and for lab testing.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">8+ years of experience in Data Acquisition and Control Systems (DACS), Instrumentation Engineering, and Electrical Circuit Design</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systems</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowledge and understanding of</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Test control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocol</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Coordination of multiple support organizations (S&MA, regulatory bodies)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ground support equipment and high-pressure fluid design and analysis experience</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Electronics testing in laboratory environment; strong troubleshooting and data analysis skill required</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong team player; excellent interpersonal and coaching skills; ability to work successfully with all levels of the organization.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent verbal and written communication skills</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Standard computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; CATIA V5, Matlab, Labview strongly preferred.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with COPV</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Test system development using LabVIEW</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiring harness design, production, and implementation</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">5+ years’ experience in liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing. </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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;">Experience with high-performance teams including engineers, production technicians, and ground/flight operations personnel</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Fluid and thermodynamic analysis experience</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">#LI-AB1</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $143,031.00–$218,132.00.
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
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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