Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Simulation Engineer with strong experience in flight dynamics modeling, trajectory simulation, and stability and control analysis. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Serve as the SME for Aerodynamic & Flight Simulation within the System Analysis team, owning technical depth in that domain while interfacing with adjacent disciplines across engineering. In this role, you will be a primary contributor to the development and maintenance of simulation tools that support trajectory analysis, handling qualities evaluation, and Monte Carlo-based uncertainty characterization across our suborbital SpaceShip and Launch Vehicle programs. You will help develop and sustain the simulation infrastructure that supports flight test planning, safety assessments, and vehicle envelope expansion.

This position offers the opportunity to own and evolve a MATLAB-based simulation architecture, collaborate closely with flight test teams, and directly influence vehicle behavior predictions that affect mission success. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and improve trajectory simulation tools, including 6DOF flight dynamics models, pilot/control system models, and Monte Carlo simulation analysis frameworks

Own the simulation toolchain lifecycle — version control, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement

Develop aerodynamic and stability & control models for vehicle performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics

Support flight test planning, limitations review, procedures, and post-flight analysis

Analyze flight test data to identify aerodynamic derivatives and update stability & control models

Contribute to aerodynamic database development using CFD, engineering methods, and wind tunnel data

Develop analysis workflows and post-processing pipelines using MATLAB and Python

Collaborate across System Analysis, Aero/Thermal, Loads & Dynamics, Flight Test, and Vehicle Systems engineering

Produce analyses, documentation, and technical presentations supporting program reviews and safety assessments

Contribute to best practices and standards for simulation tool development and aerodynamic modeling

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 in Engineering; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.

Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining flight simulation tools, including trajectory simulation and 6DOF flight dynamics

Strong understanding of aircraft stability & control, handling qualities, and aerodynamic modeling

Experience with Monte Carlo methods applied to trajectory or performance uncertainty analysis

Proficiency in MATLAB; Python skills are strongly preferred or required if MATLAB proficiency is less extensive

Experience analyzing flight-test data to extract aerodynamic derivatives and correlate models

Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems

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

Experience developing or integrating pilot models or control system models within a simulation environment

Familiarity with simulation architecture best practices (modularity, validation frameworks, CI/CD for engineering tools)

Experience with aerodynamic database development and integration into simulation tools

CFD familiarity or experience with aerodynamic experimental methods

Exposure to nonlinear aerodynamics or high-angle-of-attack modeling

Experience with flight test execution and instrumentation

Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

#LI-MS2

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $143,031.00–$218,132.00. 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.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: VGTalent@virgingalactic.com

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