Thermal Engineer I
Job Description
Your Mission
The Thermal Engineer I will be responsible for advancing the thermal engineering development using commercial software as well as in-house codes for temperature predictions and correlation with flight test data for the suborbital spaceplane Delta, the mothership Eve, and other special projects. The Thermal Engineer I will also be responsible for continual improvement and quality within the Thermal Team. The candidate will also be expected to qualify (through mentorship) to support the Thermal Mission Control Console.
Design & substantiate the thermal protection system for future spaceships
Develop external heat transfer models encompassing thermal radiation and convection using in-house simulators, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and finite element models (FEM)
Develop in-house thermal simulation capabilities using Python or MATLAB
Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and data created with analytical tools
Develop and substantiate thermal design objectives and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations
Develop and improve standards, processes, and best practices
Support pre-flight preparation including development of instrumentation plans, review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysis
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and 2 years of relevant work experience, and/or equivalent
Proficient in heat transfer, electromagnetic radiation, convection, & conduction
Excellent proactive communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills
Some experience with Python, Matlab or a similar language
Fundamentals in subsonic & supersonic aerodynamics
Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems
Ability to carry out technical work in an environment with multiple stakeholders
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience in finite element modeling with FEMAP (Thermal Desktop) and an understanding of Finite Difference Method (Heat Transfer)
Experience in empirical modeling and data processing
Experience in aerospace simulation development
Experience with Linux operating systems
Test experience in writing test plans, instrumentation selection, sensor calibration
Experience with full-vehicle aircraft analysis
Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using Fun3D
Experience with Pointwise and/or ParaView
Experience in other Flight Sciences disciplines
Physical and/or Additional Requirements
The position will be hybrid out of our Tustin, California offices with an onsite schedule.
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $72,500.00-$105,200.00. 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
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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, gender identity, 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.
PHOENIX EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.
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