Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics at Virgin Galactic

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation Engineer with strong experience in flight dynamics modeling, trajectory simulation, and stability and control analysis. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Serve as the SME for Aerodynamic & Flight Simulation within the System Analysis team, owning technical depth in that domain while interfacing with adjacent disciplines across engineering. In this role, you will be a primary contributor to the development and maintenance of simulation tools that support trajectory analysis, handling qualities evaluation, and Monte Carlo-based uncertainty characterization across our suborbital SpaceShip and Launch Vehicle programs. You will help develop and sustain the simulation infrastructure that supports flight test planning, safety assessments, and vehicle envelope expansion. This position offers the opportunity to own and evolve a MATLAB-based simulation architecture, collaborate closely with flight test teams, and directly influence vehicle behavior predictions that affect mission success. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Responsibilities • Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools, including 6DOF flight dynamics models, pilot/control system models, and Monte Carlo simulation analysis frameworks • Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle — version control, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement • Develop aerodynamic and stability & control models for vehicle performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics • Support flight test planning, limitations review, procedures, and post-flight analysis • Analyze flight test data to identify aerodynamic derivatives and update stability & control models • Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD, engineering methods, and wind tunnel data • Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines using MATLAB and Python • Collaborate across System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering • Produce analyses, documentation, and technical presentations supporting program reviews and safety assessments • Contribute to best practices and standards for simulation tool development and aerodynamic modeling • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks Required Skills and Experience • Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience. • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF flight dynamics • Strong understanding of aircraft stability & control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling • Experience with Monte Carlo methods applied to trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis • Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills are strongly preferred or required if MATLAB proficiency is less extensive • Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives and correlate models • Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior. • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas Preferred Skills and Experience • Experience developing or integrating pilot models or control system models within a simulation environment • Familiarity with simulation architecture best practices (modularity, validation frameworks, CI/CD for engineering tools) • Experience with aerodynamic database development and integration into simulation tools • CFD familiarity or experience with aerodynamic experimental methods • Exposure to nonlinear aerodynamics or high-angle-of-attack modeling • Experience with flight test execution and instrumentation • Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering #LI-MS2 The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $143,031.00–$218,132.00. 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 vgcareers.virgingalactic.com Who We Are 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 . 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. Accommodation Requests If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: VGTalent@virgingalactic.com Mandatory Notices Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Requirements

Must-haves

Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools, including 6DOF flight dynamics models, pilot/control system models, and Monte Carlo simulation analysis frameworks
Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle — version control, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement
Develop aerodynamic and stability & control models for vehicle performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics
Support flight test planning, limitations review, procedures, and post-flight analysis
Analyze flight test data to identify aerodynamic derivatives and update stability & control models
Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD, engineering methods, and wind tunnel data
Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines using MATLAB and Python
Collaborate across System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering
Produce analyses, documentation, and technical presentations supporting program reviews and safety assessments
Contribute to best practices and standards for simulation tool development and aerodynamic modeling
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Required Skills and Experience
Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF flight dynamics
Strong understanding of aircraft stability & control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling
Experience with Monte Carlo methods applied to trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis
Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives and correlate models
Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems
Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
Experience developing or integrating pilot models or control system models within a simulation environment
Familiarity with simulation architecture best practices (modularity, validation frameworks, CI/CD for engineering tools)

Nice-to-haves

Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills are strongly preferred or required if MATLAB proficiency is less extensive
Preferred Skills and Experience

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

pythonci/cd

Platform: phenom
Effort: medium