Project Engineer-Delta Spaceship – Airframe

Job Description

As a Project Engineer focused on the Vehicle Airframe system, you will be the technical leader of a cross discipline aerospace engineering team responsible for mission critical scope focused on delivering commercial space travel to the public. This role is responsible for the technical integration of the Vehicle Airframe, including full lifecycle requirements development, verification planning, execution, and implementation. The position provides a unique opportunity to integrate products from multiple disciplines at the full vehicle level. The Delta class Spaceships are a production platform that will move us into commercial operation at a significantly scaled capacity, delivering compelling views of the earth from space, and a one-of-a-kind apogee experience our passengers will never forget. Our goal is for this spaceship to deliver a transformative experience that changes the way people look at the planet and their place in it.

•Responsible for the integrated development of the engineered airframe system and related functions focused on efficiently executed ground and flight maintenance operations.
•Support the Vehicle Project Manager in identifying the reliability, maintainability, technical publications, flight and ground maintenance scope necessary to meet program requirements.
•Lead the cross-functional engineering teams to complete projects within the program, and coordinate with other stakeholders.
•Support development of Engineering plans to meet program requirements, including; reliability program, maintenance planning documents, AMMs, ground service equipment/tooling, mockups, etc.
•Support the program team by identifying risks and development of risk mitigation plans that meet the program objectives.
•Support the development and validation of the system technical requirements in support of overall program requirements.
•Validate schedule and staffing estimates for the Engineering activities.
•Support the Project Manager by assigning and prioritizing responsibilities for engineering tasks associated with this scope as required.
•Update and communicate status effectively with the Program Team and leadership to provide assistance and technical support.
•Perform high level quality control of the work (technical adequacy, plans, personnel’s performance) and report regularly on engineering project status to program and engineering leadership.  Initiate corrective actions if needed.
•Other duties as required in support of Engineering and Program Requirements.

What you bring
•Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
•10+ years engineering experience, with a majority on related systems.
•Demonstrated ability to lead and empower a team of subject matter experts in varying technical disciplines.
•Understanding of aircraft or transportation system design and engineering processes.
•Excellent written & verbal communication skills
•Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
•Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills.
•Highly dependable, strong work ethic, with excellent time management skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
•Experience with life safety design/requirements
•Experience with prototype, development, experimental and/or innovative products
•Hands on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation
•Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight
•Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills
•Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community
•Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment
•Desire and ability to mentor others
•Desire to question the status quo

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $105,700.00–$161,200.00. 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.

Recommended Skills

  • Analytical
  • Attention To Detail
  • Communication
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Curiosity
  • Finance