Stress Engineer I

About the role

The Engineer I - Stress will support vehicle design/build and test operations directly, via hands on assessment and analytical substantiation of vehicles in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Persons in this role will be involved in design, build, test, and vehicle operations phases of programs. Stress Engineers will interface and collaborate with varied other disciplines, including but not limited to: Structures Design, Flight Sciences, Maintenance & Operations teams, Manufacturing, Propulsion, Flight Test and more to provide design substantiation, test support, and operations support. Stress Engineer-I individuals will function as part of a team in support of their tasking.

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural analysis to provide analytical definition and/or ensure structural integrity of components and assemblies via repairs and modifications
• Develops and/or utilizes finite element models (global and discrete)
• Interface and collaborate with many different disciplines to correctly diagnose root cause and assign corrective actions for structural support considerations
• Plays an integral role in the workflow release process for structural design
• Supports review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design and load requirements
• Directly supports timely operations of build, ground tests, flight tests, and fleet operations
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Aerospace airframe / mechanical systems stress analysis
• Combination of applicable experience and relevant advanced education will be considered in lieu of industry experience
• Solid understanding of material properties & behavior, statics / free body diagrams, and structural load paths
• Strong teamwork and coordination skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of tools, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with composite materials analysis / structural substantiation
• Previous professional experience with Finite Element Modeling software
• Previous experience with FEMAP is a strong plus
• Knowledge of and/or experience with Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques is a strong plus
• Knowledge of and/or experience with Fatigue & Damage Tolerance analysis is a strong plus
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems, such as Oracle is a plus
• Experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR