Associate Aerodynamics Engineer

Who we are

Virgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE) Virgin Galactic recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space.

Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology.

From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space it is clear that there is much more that unites than divides us.

We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and change the world for good.  Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic

If you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver, and can make things happen - apply today!

Your Mission

The Associate Aerodynamics Engineer will be responsible for advancing the engineering for the suborbital spaceplane SpaceShipTwo, Spaceship 3, the mothership Eve, and other special projects. The Associate Aerodynamics Engineer will also be responsible for promoting a culture of continual improvement and quality within the Aerodynamics Team.

• Design and substantiate operational flight envelopes
• Substantiate vehicle performance and handling qualities
• Characterize vehicle aerodynamic environments
• Support pre-flight preparation including review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysis
• Work with other internal and external engineering groups to ensure proper application of design requirements
• Develop standardized analysis and reporting tools
• Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and data created with analytical tools
• Develop and maintain aerodynamic tools and simulation capabilities
• Develop and maintain test databases representing all mission phases
• Develop and improve standards, processes, and best practices

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and/or equivalent
• Fundamentals in subsonic & supersonic aerodynamics
• Fundamentals of flight mechanics
• Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria (FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, MilSpec, etc.)
• Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Python, C, C
• Strong ability to work system tasks, and adept at communicating with multiple interfaces
• Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills
• Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of software development best practices like code review and configuration management
• Working knowledge of FORTRAN, Simulink
• Experience with Fun3D and Pointwise as well as CATIA V5 and NASTRAN
• Experience in mission control and console development with IADS.
• Experience in other Flight Sciences disciplines

Additional Requirements

• The position will be based out of our Mojave or Tustin offices with a hybrid remote/onsite schedule.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees. 

As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, ( “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer) . If  you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire. 

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.