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.

• Develop 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 software
• Perform thermal model correlation with flight test data and component testing.
• This includes developing environmental test limits based on predicted model results for avionics electronics
• Develop and substantiate thermal design objectives and requirements for unique vehicles with unconventional configurations
• Lead 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 analysis
• Accountable 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 conditions
• Mentor Junior team members
• The 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution with a minimum of 8+ years of related professional work experience
• Proficient in heat transfer, electromagnetic radiation, convection, & conduction
• Familiar with subsonic & supersonic aerodynamics
• Experience 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 systems
• Ability to carry out technical work in an environment with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Team player with excellent collaboration, organizational and interpersonal skills.

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.

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The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $–$. 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

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.

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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…