Sr. Test Engineer

Responsibilities

• Leads an entire project cycle from concept through completion.
• Moves scope and projects forward.
• Proactively identifies and obtains resources required to complete assigned scope.
• Can support the scope and manage commitments on multiple projects.
• Sees the big picture and communicates the project vision.
• Has experience with technical issue resolution.
• Demonstrates superior engineering skills supported by practical experience.
• Design tests plans and equipment for validation of complex mechanical or structural components and systems.
• Conceives simple/elegant solutions to task challenges.
• Author or assists with authoring of technical documents.
• Write test plans and procedures to define and support execution of tests.
• Works independently while receiving minimal guidance and under general supervision.
• Independently determines and develops approach to solutions.
• Leads small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Interface with internal customers on integrated program teams to establish and verify specific test requirements.
• Coordinates, prepares, and organizes materials for team meetings and reviews.
• Work with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture and assemble test articles and test stand hardware and equipment.
• Collaborates with the supply chain team to identify and bid outside contracts for suppliers/equipment providers.
• Participate in the test engineering review, approval, and release process.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of testing practices, including test processes, lab procedures and lab technology implementation.
• Ensures durability, reliability, and safety of assigned scope.
• Reviews major decisions or scope changes with Technical/Project Lead.
• Identifies and resolves conflicting design requirements.
• Limited analysis and document peer review authority.
• Coordinate with other disciplines.
• Performs required employee responsibilities (training, timesheets, performance sheets, etc.)
• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Requirements

• A minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in systems or structures testing or design.
• At least 1 year of recent LabVIEW programming/data acquisition experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering discipline from an ABET, or equivalent, accredited institution.
• Strong knowledge of college classes related to aircraft or spaceship design and analysis.
• Familiarity with composites and metallic primary structures.
• Hydraulic control, instrumentation, signal conditioning, and data acquisition for variety of environmental tests of avionics and mechanical systems.
• Experience using instrumentation: strain gages, string potentiometers, thermocouples, accelerometers, load cells, LVDT, pressure transducers.
• Results oriented approach to completing test activities successfully.
• CAD modelling experience – Experience with 3DX or Catia V5 preferred.
• Test fixture design and analysis.
• Vibration fixture modal analysis.
• Experience with DO-160 environmental test standards for mechanical systems.
• Experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA are highly desired.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft or spaceship design and analysis.
• Focus on safety and reliability in testing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s or Doctorate from an ABET, or equivalent, accredited institution with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline.
• Certified LabVIEW associate developer or higher certification.
• Computer programming experience.
• Experience using PXI, cDAQ NI Hardware.

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 https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

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.

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.