Supporting the development of Hybrid Propulsion Systems, the Test Operations Engineer will establish requirements and documentation for tests, including live-fire testing. You will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, process, systems, and materials in order to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This is a very hands-on for someone excited about rocket motor propulsion and the development of our cutting-edge spacecraft technology.

• Partner with a team of engineers, technicians, vendors and subcontractors while performing systems analysis to double-check existing work, design new systems, prepare and safely conduct critical development and qualification tests
• Coordination of test requirements and development of test procedures
• Coordination of all test site activities, operation of all ground test support equipment (GSE) and test operations for the hybrid rocket motor and stage system (GSE includes propellant and pressurant storage and transportation equipment
• Verifying all GSE is in good working order, and ensuring necessary improvements, maintenance and documentation are in place to support on-going testing and flight operations
• Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency
• Support flight test operations as well as hybrid rocket design, analysis, and production activities
• Confer with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards
• Estimate fabrication times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions
• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding fabrication capabilities, schedules, and other considerations to facilitate testing activities

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics
• 4+ years of role related experience
  • Liquid or hybrid rocket propulsion development and qualification testing experience. Specifically, experience with:
  • Development of test requirements and procedures for components, subsystems, and integrated rocket engine/stage systems
  • Test readiness reviews, issue tracking, resolution, and reporting
  • Test control room hierarchy, etiquette, and protocol
  • Coordination of multiple support organizations (S&MA, regulatory bodies)
  • Flight test support
• Strong team player
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Excellent computer skills, word, excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ground support equipment and high pressure fluid design and analysis experience
• Experience with COPVs
• 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
• Experience with high-performance teams including engineers, production technicians and ground/flight operations personnel
• Fluid and thermodynamic analysis experience

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $85,900.00–$131,050.00. 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 https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.

ITAR Requirements
To 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.

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, 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.