Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

The Sr. Manufacturing Engineer will be a technical leader to establish and define the manufacturing processes for VG’s future Delta Class Spaceship production line. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. This technical position requires an understanding of DFMA & DFX of composite aerospace structures along with vehicle final assembly and integration. The Sr. Engineer will lead to defining what production equipment, tools, systems, and materials will be required to create an efficient, organized, and lean factory. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates manufacturing processes for the factory floor.

• Champion process improvements across multiple work centers to improve assembly operations and incorporate feedback and learnings from the first Delta Class build.

• Analyzes and plans workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.

• Support review of manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with design requirements.

• Participate in the engineering definition review, approval, and release process in accordance with the industry and company standards.

• Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.

• Estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.

• Confers with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.

• 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.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.

• Experience with composite & metallic aircraft fabrication and assembly

• FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License) a plus

• Setup of aerospace final assembly and integration

• Experience with aircraft systems integration, installation, and assembly

• Proficient in lean manufacturing and six sigma philosophies and tools

• Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity

• Proficiency and experience with respect to composite tooling, fabrication, and manufacturing methods and techniques

• Experience with CATIA V5 and Enovia (3DX a plus)

• GD&T skills through experience and/or formal training

• Knowledge and experience with AS9100

• Experience with manufacturing based ERP systems

• Excellent Verbal and written communication 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)

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00–$166,036.00. 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

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.