Sr. Stress Engineer

Virgin Galactic•Truth or Consequences, NM

6d•$108,871 - $166,036

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced aerospace Stress Analysis Engineer to join our Operations engineering team. This engineer needs experience in composite vehicle design, stress analysis, composite repairs, and production manufacturing. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design, development and testing of spacecraft and spaceflight systems. You will be creating innovative designs and problem resolutions that meet our demanding requirements through prototyping, hands-on design and working directly with our technicians on the vehicles as part of our standard practice. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and coordinate with multiple groups, including structural integrity, systems, structures, production/maintenance control and supply chain. Maintain focus on timeliness, execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in related field; and /or combination of education and work experience is required, Master’s degrees is helpful, but not required with industry experience
Minimum 8 years of applicable experience in the analysis of structural systems using strength of materials and finite element-based methods.
Relevant mechanical design and manufacturing experience preferably focused on or within aerospace
Experience in aircraft or spacecraft composite fabrication, design, and analysis processes
Experience with 3D Modeling and Drafting with 3DExperience, CATIA V5, or similar packages, some familiarity with SolidWorks is helpful
Experience with NASTRAN, Hypersizer, and other Stress Analysis tools
Experience with free-body diagrams and classical stress analysis techniques
Familiarity with space flight vehicles, rocket propulsion systems, and components
Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software) and configuration management
Excellent Organizational Skills and problem-solving skills
Strong team player
Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Competency using basic functions of the MS Office suite of tools.
Knowledge and experience with AS9100 a plus
Knowledge of FAA part 25 FARs a plus
Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Nice To Haves

Experience with vehicle instrumentation for flight test and health monitoring a plus
Experience with composite vehicles is a plus
Strong mechanical attitude working with kinematic models and flight hardware, hands on work, related hobbies a plus.

Responsibilities

Reviews, updates, and compiles engineering analytical definition of structural components and assemblies based on records from the prototype build project, flight test and on-going operations.
Develops standardized analysis criteria and templates .
Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for all structural designs.
Assists in review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and loads requirements.
Supports the creation of structural test plans which will be used to verify manufacturing processes that meet design intent and requirements.
Solves problems with a balance of technical product, cost, and schedule.
Determines technical objectives of assignments and makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative.
Maintains current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related spacecraft innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of product.
Understands loads and aerodynamic effects on the continually changing loads on a composite aircraft, maintain and assist in operating our stand-alone flight dynamic loads analysis tool to be used after each flight to ensure flight loads stay within the limits of the inspection criteria for the aircraft.
Drive safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; ensure adherence to regulatory protocols and rules
Works collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.