Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer with deep expertise in mechanical systems design, system-level Verification & Validation (V&V), and aerospace vehicle development. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of rigorous system qualification, hands-on engineering development, and cross-functional technical leadership. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer will lead and support verification strategies for mechanical systems, ensure compliance with vehicle and system-level requirements, and contribute directly to the design, development, integration, qualification, and maturation of critical aerospace hardware. The role requires strong technical judgment, a systems-level mindset, and the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and operations organizations. Responsibilities • Support the development of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed mechanical designs for aircraft and spacecraft configurations, including 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and engineering drawings. • Lead the planning, development, execution, and documentation of Verification & Validation (V&V) activities for aerospace mechanical systems, including requirements decomposition, verification method selection, test strategy development, and acceptance criteria definition. • Define system-level verification and test criteria, qualification approaches, and acceptance requirements for mechanical systems. • Coordinate unit-level and system-level qualification test plans and activities, working closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, and test organizations. • Develop, evaluate, and release verification artifacts demonstrating compliance with air/space vehicle requirements. • Coordinate with cross-functional engineering stakeholders throughout the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of aerospace vehicles. • Provide technical leadership and engineering support during production, integration, vehicle test, and flight-readiness activities, including implementation, integration, and Material Review Board (MRB) activities. • Identify technical risks, gaps, and opportunities within mechanical systems and drive appropriate resolution through analysis, testing, and engineering judgment. • Contribute to the continuous improvement of mechanical design practices, engineering processes, verification methods, procedures, and technologies. • 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. Required Skills & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. • 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered. • Advance knowledge with requirements management, development, analysis, and verification process. • Experience with CATIA V5/6 or similar CAD software. As well as Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM) and configuration management. • Working knowledge of design using GD&T. • Excellent decision-making skills with attention to details. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills. • Highly dependable, strong work ethic, organized with excellent time management skills. • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior. • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas • Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Preferred Skills & Experience • 3DEXPERIENCE Platform experience is a plus • Experience in certification programs (FAA, MIL‑STD-810, DO-160). • Hands-on test experience and familiarity with aerospace test environments (structural, environmental, functional) • Experience with pneumatics, hydraulic, fuel systems, flight controls, landing gears, actuation systems or similar mechanical systems. • Knowledge of and experience with vehicle mechanical systems, machine design or structural design. • Experience with Requirement Development, Management, and methods of Aircraft Qualification (Testing, Analysis, Inspection, Similarity) • Experience with rapid prototyping, test fixture design, or laboratory test automation. • Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight. • Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills. • Comfortable working in a creative/fast-paced environment. #LI-AB1 The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $130,028.00–$198,302.00. 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

Support the development of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed mechanical designs for aircraft and spacecraft configurations, including 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and engineering drawings.
Define system-level verification and test criteria, qualification approaches, and acceptance requirements for mechanical systems.
Coordinate unit-level and system-level qualification test plans and activities, working closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, and test organizations.
Develop, evaluate, and release verification artifacts demonstrating compliance with air/space vehicle requirements.
Coordinate with cross-functional engineering stakeholders throughout the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of aerospace vehicles.
Provide technical leadership and engineering support during production, integration, vehicle test, and flight-readiness activities, including implementation, integration, and Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
Identify technical risks, gaps, and opportunities within mechanical systems and drive appropriate resolution through analysis, testing, and engineering judgment.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of mechanical design practices, engineering processes, verification methods, procedures, and technologies.
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.
Required Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered.
Advance knowledge with requirements management, development, analysis, and verification process.
Experience with CATIA V5/6 or similar CAD software. As well as Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM) and configuration management.
Working knowledge of design using GD&T.
Excellent decision-making skills with attention to details.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Highly dependable, strong work ethic, organized with excellent time management skills.

Nice-to-haves

Preferred Skills & Experience
3DEXPERIENCE Platform experience is a plus

Application prep

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

Platform: phenom
Effort: medium