Title:  Specialist Engineer, Flight Simulators

Your Mission at Virgin Galactic

You will be an individual contributor with Flight Simulator subject matter expertise within the Avionics Department. Your focus is on systems design, development, and deployment of Virgin Galactic’s engineering and pilot-training Flight Simulators for our SpaceShip and Mothership aircraft. This will include being a primary contributor to the design of electrical, mechanical, and computer systems for these simulators, as well as executing the physical build-out and testing of these systems. The ideal candidate is multi-disciplined in the many areas of technology, engineering, and aviation that factor into development of piloted flight simulators with a strong desire to be hands-on in all aspects of system development, construction, and operation. You will report to the Lead Flight Simulator Engineer.

Responsibilities 

• Electrical design of flight simulators
  • Adaptation of real aircraft electrical components into simulator
  • Wire harnesses and electrical sub-assemblies
  • Custom PCB design and fabrication
• Mechanical design of flight simulators, to include:
  • Simulator cockpit and pilot interfaces
  • Integration of real aircraft hardware into simulator
  • Replication of real aircraft cockpit interfaces
  • Prototyping of real aircraft cockpit interfaces in support of real aircraft design
  • Control loading system integration
• Computer system design, to include:
  • Computer hardware selection and integration
  • Network hardware selection and integration
• Visual system design, to include:
  • System and hardware requirements definition and selection
  • System deployment and integration

Required Skills and Experience 

• Must have a B.S. in Computer Science or related technical field from an accredited university
• 12 years of industry experience in technology and/or aerospace
• 8 years of experience with piloted Flight Simulator systems
• Electrical experience, to include:
  • Expert at troubleshooting complex electronic systems
  • Expert at electrical power system design for low voltage, non-flying, DC systems
  • Basic PCB design and manufacturing
  • Familiar with legacy analog-type electronic systems
• Data systems experience, to include:
  • Familiarity with IT network hardware and integration
  • Familiarity with serial communication protocols (CAN, RS-232, ARINC-429, and similar)
• Proficiency with simulator visual systems and image generation platforms
  • Specifically with front-projection screen systems and Quantum3D image generators
• Proficiency with CAD tools for general 3D design of simple mechanical assemblies and systems
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and strong ability to interpret and follow standards
• Electronics lab environment experience with diligence to best practices
  • Expected to be a model of best practices and mentor to others
• Basic software skills to understand and debug code
• Organized and deterministic in work

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Modeling and Simulation experience with respect to replicating aircraft systems behaviors for use towards pilot-training
• Expertise in 3D printing for both quick turn prototyping and long-term reliability use cases
  • Experience in maintaining 3D printers
• Practical experience with hands-on work, to include:
  • Assembly and repair of PCBs
  • Assembly of electrical wiring harnesses
  • Assembly of complex electrical assemblies
  • Hand and power tool use
  • General shop tools use
  • Basic metal and woodworking skills
• Willingness and ability to lead and supervise work performed by technicians
• Familiarity with Mission Control Room systems and, specifically, IADS

#LI-AB1

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.