Group Lead, Structural Test

The Spaceship Company (TSC) is an affiliate of Virgin Galactic as a space-system manufacturing organization. Headquartered at Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California, it is building and testing a fleet of WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft and SpaceShipTwo reusable spaceships that, together, form Virgin Galactic’s human spaceflight system. Like many Virgin companies across the world, its team of over 400 talented and dedicated engineers, technicians and professionals are drawn together by a willingness to disrupt and challenge the status quo and deliver innovative aerospace solutions to our customers’ needs. TSC’s extensive capabilities encompass preliminary vehicle design and analysis, manufacturing, ground testing, flight testing and post-delivery support.Our ValuesTSC and the greater Virgin Organization have a relaxed and informal culture that encourages individuality and innovation. You will be motivated, enterprising and enthusiastic. Company culture is such that you need to be able to “check your ego at the door”, be a self-starter and possess a sense of humility. You will work well under pressure and thrive on being given challenges and responsibility. You will communicate clearly and be confident and persuasive. You will have a high level of integrity and understand the need of complete confidentiality.Who You AreTSC is seeking an experienced test engineer to lead testing of airframe structural components, assemblies, and integrated systems. This role leads a team of engineers through the process of defining test requirements with internal customers, writing test plans, designing test stands, executing tests and analyzing and reporting data. Engineers in this position are expected to have strong experience with commercial aerospace standard test practices and methods as well as engineering experience in design and analysis required to develop custom tests, as well as demonstrated experience in leadership.

Knowledge of airframe structural testing and qualification

Assist in development and refinement of detailed test requirements based on customer and implied requirements

Ability to evaluate test data to support customer verification and validation efforts

Reviews and approve test documentation in accordance with the company Test Processes

Supports the creation of test plans which will be used to verify the design intent meets requirements

Work with support teams and vendors to procure, manufacture and assemble test articles and test stand hardware and equipment.

Small team or group leadership experience

Participate in the continuous improvement of testing practices, including test processes, lab procedures and lab technology implementation.

Excellent communication to confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding equipment & team capabilities, schedule, and other considerations to facilitate processes associated with testing

Education and Experience. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline.

4-8 years’ or more experience in aerospace with an emphasis on testing or equivalent laboratory test engineering experience

Demonstrated experience in a leadership role

Experience in aircraft structural testing and test processes

Experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA are highly desired

Focus on safety and reliability in testing.

CAD modelling experience – Experience with Catia V5 preferred

Experience with simulation and finite element analysis preferred – NASTRAN, Femap

Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software), Requirements management tools and configuration management

Results oriented approach to completing test activities successfully

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong team player and ability to work independently with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

ITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.The Spaceship Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with The Spaceship Company 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.iCIMS Req Number: 2020-5950 FLSA Status: Exempt External Company URL: http://www.virgingalactic.com/ Street: 1223 Sabovich Street