Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer with deep expertise in mechanical systems design, system-level Verification & Validation (V&V), and aerospace vehicle development. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of rigorous system qualification, hands-on engineering development, and cross-functional technical leadership.

The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer will lead and support verification strategies for mechanical systems, ensure compliance with vehicle and system-level requirements, and contribute directly to the design, development, integration, qualification, and maturation of critical aerospace hardware. The role requires strong technical judgment, a systems-level mindset, and the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, and operations organizations.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed mechanical designs for aircraft and spacecraft configurations, including 3D parts, assemblies, installations, and engineering drawings.
• Lead the planning, development, execution, and documentation of Verification & Validation (V&V) activities for aerospace mechanical systems, including requirements decomposition, verification method selection, test strategy development, and acceptance criteria definition.
• Define system-level verification and test criteria, qualification approaches, and acceptance requirements for mechanical systems.
• Coordinate unit-level and system-level qualification test plans and activities, working closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, and test organizations.
• Develop, evaluate, and release verification artifacts demonstrating compliance with air/space vehicle requirements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering stakeholders throughout the design, production, integration, test, delivery, and operation of aerospace vehicles.
• Provide technical leadership and engineering support during production, integration, vehicle test, and flight-readiness activities, including implementation, integration, and Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
• Identify technical risks, gaps, and opportunities within mechanical systems and drive appropriate resolution through analysis, testing, and engineering judgment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of mechanical design practices, engineering processes, verification methods, procedures, and technologies.
• 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.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with strong design emphasis. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and other projects may be considered.
• Advance knowledge with requirements management, development, analysis, and verification process.
• Experience with CATIA V5/6 or similar CAD software. As well as Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM) and configuration management.
• Working knowledge of design using GD&T.
• Excellent decision-making skills with attention to details.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Highly dependable, strong work ethic, organized with excellent time management 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)

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 3DEXPERIENCE Platform experience is a plus
• Experience in certification programs (FAA, MIL-STD-810, DO-160).
• Hands-on test experience and familiarity with aerospace test environments (structural, environmental, functional)
• Experience with pneumatics, hydraulic, fuel systems, flight controls, landing gears, actuation systems or similar mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with vehicle mechanical systems, machine design or structural design.
• Experience with Requirement Development, Management, and methods of Aircraft Qualification (Testing, Analysis, Inspection, Similarity)
• Experience with rapid prototyping, test fixture design, or laboratory test automation.
• Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight.
• Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills.
• Comfortable working in a creative/fast-paced environment.

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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 https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

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 .