Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to join our multidisciplinary System Analysis organization. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. In this role, you will apply CFD and aerodynamic modeling to characterize flow fields, help define design requirements, correlate models with flight test data, and integrate aerodynamic performance into vehicle design across our SpaceShip, Launch Vehicle, and special mission programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity aerodynamic models, databases, and simulation tools
• Correlate and refine aerodynamic models using flight, ground, and component test data
• Define and substantiate aerodynamic design requirements, operational flight envelopes, vehicle performance, and handling qualities
• Support flight test planning, readiness reviews, mission control, and post-flight analysis
• Partner with loads, structures, aeroelasticity, avionics, and systems engineering teams to integrate aerodynamic predictions
• Mentor junior engineers and help improve analysis standards and best practices
• Own aerodynamic work packages from planning through delivery, identifying and communicating technical risks
• Required Skills and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 8+ years of relevant experience (an advanced degree may offset some experience)
• Solid background in external aerodynamics and CFD from subsonic through supersonic regimes
• Experience correlating CFD and aerodynamic models with flight or component test data
• Proficiency with CFD, meshing, and post-processing tools (e.g., FUN3D, STAR‑CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, Pointwise, Tecplot, ParaView)
• Advanced MATLAB and Python programming skills using sound software practices
• Working knowledge of aircraft or spacecraft systems and relevant aerospace standards (FAA, FAA‑AST, NASA, MIL-SPEC)
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical presentation skills
• Preferred Skills and Experience
• Hands-on ground or flight test experience, including instrumentation and data acquisition
• Experience with full-vehicle aerodynamic assessments
• Experience in other Flight Sciences disciplines, such as External Loads, Thermal, and/or Aeroelasticity
• Experience with flight dynamics 6DOF trajectory simulation
• Working knowledge of FORTRAN and Simulink
• #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

About Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of human possibility. Through its spaceflight expeditions, the company offers people a profound new perspective on our planet and their own potential, while enabling scientific discovery and supporting strategic government missions. Virgin Galactic combines world-class aerospace engineering with thoughtfully designed astronaut experiences and a scalable spaceline operating model.

Its reusable, air-launched Spaceships are designed to make spacefilight safe, repeatable, operationally efficient, and increasingly accessible, advancing a long-term vision of opening space to millions for extraordinary purposes. Learn more at www.virgingalactic.com.

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.

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: [email protected]
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