Sr. Engineer, Thermal

We are seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to join a leading engineering team with focus on designing, analyzing, and optimizing spaceship and launch vehicle thermal systems. You will work cross-functionally responsible for mission critical scope meant to deliver commercial space travel to the public. Our goal is to deliver a transformative experience that changes the way people look at the planet and their place in it.ResponsibilitiesDevelop external heat transfer models encompassing all modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) including aero heating, plume radiation and solar impingement using in-house simulators, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and commercial finite element and finite difference softwarePerform thermal model correlation with flight test data and component testing.This includes developing environmental test limits based on predicted model results for avionics electronicsDevelop and substantiate thermal design objectives and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurationsLead pre-flight preparation including development of instrumentation plans, review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post flight analysisAccountable for the technical integration of the Thermal scope and engineering disciplines, including full lifecycle requirement development, verification planning and execution through analysis, testing, and flight test.Support the program team by identifying risks and development of risk mitigation plans that meet the program objectives.Support the development and validation of the system technical requirements and deliverables in support of overall program requirements.Update and communicate status effectively with the Program Team and leadership to provide awareness, visibility, and technical support.Perform high level quality control of the work (technical adequacy, plans, personnel's performance) and report regularly on engineering project status to program and engineering leadership. Initiate corrective actions for poor quality engineering results.Perform CFD analysis to understand aero heating and develop thermal boundary conditionsMentor Junior team membersThe Senior Thermal Engineer will also be expected to achieve the position of Thermal Mission Control Console Certifying Authority and train and certify other team members.Required Skills and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution with a minimum of 8+ years of related professional work experienceProficient in heat transfer, electromagnetic radiation, convection, & conductionFamiliar with subsonic & supersonic aerodynamicsExperience in finite element modeling with FEMAP/TMG and/or Thermal Desktop and an understanding of finite difference methods (with focus of heat transfer)Working knowledge of scripting languages like Python.Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systemsAbility to carry out technical work in an environment with multiple stakeholdersExcellent written & verbal communication skillsStrong analytical and creative problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills.#LI-MS1The 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 https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefitsWho We AreVirgin 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 RequirementsTo 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 StatementVirgin 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 WORKPLACEVirgin 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 REQUIREMENTSFor 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.