Virgin Galactic is seeking a test engineer with a specialization in materials testing. The material test engineer in this role will be responsible for mechanical and physical testing of the materials used in our Spaceships and Motherships. You will be responsible for all aspects of the test process and your test results will support the structural substantiation of current and future vehicles. A hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement is needed to support the materials test lab successfully.

•Ownership of the entire test process from cradle to grave: Authoring test plans, design of test articles and manufacturing plans, fabrication, test execution, data reduction and analysis, and authoring of test reports

•Responsible for design allowable generation, equivalency checks, and failure mode analysis

•Confer with stakeholders in Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and other departments to facilitate test planning, test article fabrication, and test execution

•Communicate technical concepts and results to Programmatic and Engineering stakeholders to inform company/program decisions

•Provide technical guidance in the development of new materials, processes, and methods

What You Bring

•A Bachelor’s degree from an ABET, or equivalent, accredited institution with a concentration in a relevant Engineering or Sciences discipline

•3+ years of direct, relevant experience

•Experience in the mechanical and physical evaluation of aerospace materials, including metals, composites, and plastics

•Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft structure

•Experience authoring test plans and test reports

•Knowledge of mechanical testing and physical characterization methods

•Familiarity with methods of statistical analysis for large datasets

•Hands-on experience with test equipment and instrumentation in a lab environment

•Proven ability to communicate technical concepts to different audiences.

Preferred Skills and Experience

•Experience with coupon, element, and subcomponent level testing

•Familiarity with industry-accepted statistical analysis methods of treating test data such as those found in CMH17

•Experience with composite bonded assemblies and fastened joints

•Hands-on experience with composite fabrication and test execution

•Experience in CAD modelling – 3DX preferred

•Conversant in non-destructive inspection methods

•Experience in authoring / revising materials and process specifications for composite materials

•Experience in developing a Design of Experiments

•Experience in stress analysis methods, including the use of hand calcs and FEM

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

•Must be able to work all shifts and be available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.

•Must be able to travel as needed (10% Travel expected)

•Must be able to stand for extended periods – 6 hours min.

•Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces.

•Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

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