Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Propulsion Test Team. The task of this role will be to establish requirements and documentation for tests in support of our innovative Hybrid Propulsion Systems. The engineer in this position will have responsibility for the definition of equipment, process, systems, and materials in order to perform safe, repeatable, and efficient tests. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. This is a full-time position at the VG aerospace facility in Mojave, California.
Design, develop, maintain, and upgrade the hybrid rocket motor test stand data acquisition, command and control system.
Troubleshoot instrumentation and software issues as and when they arise.
Design of electrical harnesses and interconnecting systems.
Configuration management of software and hardware.
Support for software and data systems during test campaigns.
Demonstrate leadership for data acquisition and control software/hardware design.
Constantly update your knowledge about systems and hardware and share knowledge with the rest of the team.
Set up and oversee hazardous test operations.
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline or physics.
3-5 years' experience working with National Instruments hardware and software system design and development.
3-5 years of experience in NI Labview, Labview RealTime and Labview FPGA software.
3-5 years of experience in C/C++, Python
3-5 years of experience in Matlab/Simulink software environment particularly in embedded software development.
Experience with solenoids, relays, pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, Arduino microcontrollers.
Ability to work to work in research and fast paced production timelines.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities.
Driven and highly motivated and committed to improvement.
Ability to bring to the table a positive and unique contribution to the team.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings.
Experience with using Matlab/Simulink to generate production code and program real time hardware.
Experience with electrical circuit design to integrate relays, solenoids, high voltage switching systems with microcontrollers.
Operations experience in tests and operations environment.
Ability to be able to work unsupervised.
Excellent interpersonal, mentoring and leadership skills
Ability to solve complex problems with little to no supervision on time as an individual or a member of an integrated team.
Passion for space exploration and advancement of human space travel.
Physical and/or Additional Requirements
Must be able to work overtime as well as weekends when needed; weekend operations are uncommon but may be required from time to time to support the test program.
Must be able to stand for extended periods - 8 hours min
Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)