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

Virgin Galactic is seeking an engineer with experience in Mass Properties, design, and structures. The candidate will build on an existing knowledge of key aircraft systems. The engineer will also support creating flight forms, flight test, aircraft weighing, mass distributions, preliminary design, weight and CG envelope design, and weight improvement programs.

Your Mission

• Review and work engineering drawings for Mass Properties.
• Update Mass Properties Databases.
• Maintain DD365 based weight and balance handbook for aircraft/spacecraft
• Assist and perform mass property trade studies as necessary.
• Suggest and track weight improvement ideas.
• Assist in Mass Properties measurements from a detail up to a vehicle level.
• Perform mass distributions.
• Work across multiple disciplines to ensure company goals are met.
• Other Mass Properties tasks as needed.

What you bring

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and/or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Excel
• CATIA
• Self-starter
• Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems
• Mass Properties experience including measuring mass properties, estimate mass properties from drawings, weight reduction programs and mass property manuals
• Familiarity with the Mass Props standards.  RP7/8, AIR FORCE TO 1-1B-50, DD Form 365 series
• Proven ability to carry out technical work in an environment with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills
• Ability to successfully complete assigned tasks with a low level of supervision and oversight
• Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• CPD (Composites Part Design) and/or FiberSIM
• Coding and tool development experience

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.