Stress Engineer II
About the job
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Stress Engineer II will support both vehicle design/build and flight test operations directly, via hands on assessment and analytical substantiation of vehicles in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You will be involved in both build and vehicle operations phases of programs.
Stress Engineers interface and collaborate with other disciplines, including but not limited to: Structures Design, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support.
Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This position is located in Spaceport America, NM working 4 days on-site and 1 day remote. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Relocation Assistance Available.</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;">Perform structural analysis using classical methods and finite element analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components, assemblies, and systems</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop and/or utilize finite element models (global and discrete) </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Review, update, and create engineering analytical definition of components, assemblies, and systems (analysis documentation)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare clear and concise reports that collect, analyze, and summarize information</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Play an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and load requirements</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support the creation of structural component and system test plans which will be used to verify manufacturing and testing</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop standardized analysis criteria and templates</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Work independently for moderate periods under guidance of senior engineers and produce work that meets industry and company standards, tolerances, weight and cost targets</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Coordinate with various engineering stakeholders during the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of air/space vehicles</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 project </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mentor more junior team members </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;">Minimum of 5 years of experience and Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience, Minimum of 3 years’ prior experience in structural analysis of aerospace primary structure</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Solid understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to work independently and cross‐functionally and ensure effective collaboration across teams </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;">Proficiency in MS Office, technical writing skills, the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to work quickly and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment as part of a team or individually</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong time management and organizational skills</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, transparent, respectful, and open to other ideas </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><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, etc.)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowledge of composite aircraft structural analysis and familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair, and assembly of components</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Previous experience with Finite Element Modeling and Analysis</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Previous experience with FEMAP, HyperX, TMP Slim/Vision, NASTRAN</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with CAD software to design aircraft/spacecraft structures and components</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowledge of and / or experience with Fatigue & Damage Tolerance analysis</span></li><li style="font-fam
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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