Engineer II, Systems Engineering

Working at Virgin Galactic means being part of a pioneering company focused on commercial spaceflight. The organization emphasizes innovation, safety, and a commitment to delivering a unique and transformative space experience to customers. A Systems Engineering position within Virgin Galactic involves overseeing the integration, development, and testing of complex systems for spaceflight, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. It’s a dynamic and challenging role that contributes to the cutting-edge field of commercial space tourism.

A Systems Engineering position within Virgin Galactic plays a crucial role in the development and operation of space vehicles and related systems for suborbital space tourism and other spaceflight ventures. Here’s a high-level overview of what this role entails:

• Systems Integration: Systems Engineers at Virgin Galactic work on integrating various complex systems into a cohesive whole. This involves ensuring that all subsystems, components, and processes work together seamlessly.
• Requirements Analysis: They are responsible for gathering and analyzing system requirements, including performance, safety, and regulatory compliance, to ensure that the final product meets all specifications.
• Design and Development: Systems Engineers participate in the design and development phases of spacecraft and associated systems. They work with multidisciplinary teams to create technical solutions and evaluate design trade-offs.
• Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks associated with system integration and development is a crucial part of the role. Systems Engineers are involved in risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Testing and Validation: They oversee testing and validation processes to verify that systems and subsystems meet performance and safety standards. This includes planning and executing test procedures and analyzing test data.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all systems adhere to relevant aviation and space regulations is a key responsibility. Systems Engineers work closely with regulatory bodies to obtain necessary approvals.
• Collaboration: Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including aerospace engineers, electrical engineers, software developers, and other stakeholders, is crucial to meet project objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelors’ Degree in an Engineering field from an accredited university
• 4+ years’ experience in related engineering experience
• Systems Engineering Knowledge: Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, methodologies, and processes, including requirements analysis, system architecture, integration, and verification.
• MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering): Proficiency in MBSE techniques, tools, and practices. Experience in creating and managing system models for complex aerospace systems.
• Cameo Knowledge: Proficiency in using Cameo Systems Modeler or a similar modeling tool for MBSE. Ability to create and maintain system models, perform simulations, and generate documentation.
• Requirements Management: Experience in gathering, analyzing, and managing system requirements using specialized tools.
• System Integration: Strong background in system integration, ensuring that all components and subsystems work together seamlessly.
• Testing and Verification: Experience in planning and executing system-level tests and verification processes to ensure compliance with specifications and safety standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of aerospace and aviation regulations, with the ability to ensure systems meet necessary regulatory requirements.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3DX Knowledge: Familiarity with 3DX or similar Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software for managing product data and collaboration in a 3D environment.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications in systems engineering or related areas, such as INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) certification.
• Spacecraft Systems Knowledge: Understanding of spacecraft systems, including propulsion, avionics, thermal control, mechanical and life support systems.
• Safety Engineering: Knowledge of safety engineering principles and practices in the context of aerospace systems.
• Collaborative Tools: Familiarity with collaborative tools and platforms used in virtual team environments for effective communication and project management.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to evolving technology and industry trends in the field of aerospace and space tourism.

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $85,900.00–$131,050.00. 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 medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious – one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.

Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement
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.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.