Specialist Engineer, Fly By Wire

You will be a Specialist Engineer with Fly-by-Wire (FBW) subject matter expertise within the Flight Controls Department. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Reporting to the Flight Controls Program Director, your focus is on system architecture design and analysis, system integration and testing on test benches, Iron Bird, and vehicle, LRU supplier technical oversite, and requirements validation and verification. Additionally, you will support supplier software deliveries including software verification and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate has experience in Aerospace software development and test. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Design and analysis of FBW architecture to include:

• Cockpit interfaces.

• Actuation systems including electronic controllers.

• Control surface LVDTs.

• System health monitors.

• Integrate and test of FBW system and components using:

• Test stands/benches.

• Iron Bird.

• Vehicle.

• LRU Supplier Technical Oversite:

• Determine root cause of software issues and propose corrective actions.

• Review supplier software development process, conduct audits and code reviews.

• Develop and maintain system Built-in-Test (BIT).

• Lead rigging of FBW system components.

• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in an Engineering discipline from an accredited university (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering).

• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years experience; or equivalent experience.

• Expertise in Aerospace software development (architecture, requirements, etc.) and test experience including verification methods.

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test experience.

• C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, LabVIEW, programming.

• Understanding of software development process for flight (DO-178).

• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

• 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

• Subject matter expertise with FBW flight control systems including fault-tolerant architectures.

• Subject matter expertise of aircraft flight control system operations with flight test and/or pilot experience a plus.

• Hands-on experience testing/troubleshooting electronics and electromechanical systems.

• Understanding of systems development process for flight (ARP-4754).

• Data analysis expertise using MATLAB, including frequency domain analysis (FFT, Bode plots, power spectra, etc.), Laplace domain methods (transfer functions), linear algebra (state-space systems).

• Modeling and simulation using Simulink.

• LabVIEW programing and test.

• Python scripting for test and data analysis.

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $136,063.00–$207,596.00. 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 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.