Principal Engineer, Loads

• Support loads event simulation model development and validation of loads criteria for suborbital space missions and other unconventional configurations
• 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 engineering groups to ensure proper application of design and loads requirements
• Develop airframe and component loads for structural design and qualification (Static and Dynamic)
• Support entry into commercial service by ensuring that regulatory and internal company requirements related to loads are met
• 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 substantiate rational loads criteria and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations
• Provide loads technical leadership through the engineering organization
• Develop and improve loads standards, processes, and best practices
• Develop technical roadmaps, concepts, and approaches that establish strategic direction for the company related to loads
• Lead design or analysis of new products, systems, or processes
• Leads effective cross functional teams to solve complex problems and helps other people and teams be successful
• Leads projects, peers, and teams to make engineering decisions and recommendations
• Organizes and plans work and sets standards for team to meet company objectives
• Meets commitments and executes plan
• Actively mentors and coaches others

Requirements

• Must have minimum 14 years of experience in external loads with B.S. in engineering, or 12 years with M.S. in engineering, or 9 years with Ph.D. in engineering
• Experiences in flight test aerodynamic and loads model validation and correlation
• Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems
• Experience with flight dynamics 6DOF trajectory simulation
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and structural design criteria (FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, MilSpec, etc.)
• Advanced programming skills: MATLAB, Python, C, C++, FORTRAN, Simulink; to include software development best practices like code review and configuration management
• Experience with CATIA V5 and NASTRAN
• Advise senior executives on highly complex, multi-faceted aspects of the business, with technological and cross-organizational impact
• Proven ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills
• Champion innovations through new technologies and drives innovation of leading-edge products and solutions that provide company with a competitive advantage
• Serve as consultant to top management in long-range company planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements.
• Prime spokesperson on company’s technical capabilities and future directions. Often instrumental in attracting and obtaining new company business.
• Create strong business relationships with key stakeholders to enlist their active support.

Preferred Skills

• Test planning experience including flight and ground testing, writing test plans, instrumentation selection and planning, and data verification
• Experience with full aircraft analysis – transonic required, launch vehicle & supersonic
• Test execution experience including familiarity with standard flight test practices and safety processes

LI-DR1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $163,100.00-$261,050.00. 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