Virgin Orbit National Systems (previously known as VOX Space) is a US-incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Orbit, LLC. Virgin Orbit National Systems provides the national security community of the USA and allied nations with responsive, dedicated, and affordable launch services for small satellites bound for Low Earth Orbit. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, VOX Space can provide study, analysis, integration, and launch services using Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne, while ensuring our customer’s critical information is protected.

Position Summary

Virgin Orbit National Systems is seeking a driven Systems Engineer, Lead to join our team, supporting new space system capabilities. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. This is a full-time position at our Virgin Orbit National Systems office in El Segundo, California. 

• Design and simulate performance of advanced space concepts, architectures, and missions.
• Develop space mission threads by analyzing constellations and orbits using tools such as AGI’s System Tool Kit (STK).
• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for LauncherOne vehicle to assess performance and orbital insertion accuracy.
• Perform first order system or mission modeling by developing models, scripts, and programs.
• Perform trade studies to identify the most balanced technical solutions among a set of proposed viable solutions.
• Manage interactions/engineering workflow with teammates and subcontractors who assist VO - National Systems with mission execution and new business development.
• Interact with customers to execute current missions and develop future business.
• Support the development of technical proposals and white papers.
• Define work scope/Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for proposed engineering activities and studies.
• Create CAD drawings for fairing packaging and other advanced concepts.
• Develop automation tools for mission design, analysis and reporting.
• Help VO - National Systems e do our part to make the world a better place
• Constantly learn new things—and share them with your team members
• Performs other duties as assigned

If you want to join us, you’d better have all of these…

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or physics discipline.
• Expert in orbital mechanics, modeling, and simulation
• Experience in MATLAB
• Knowledge of the following tools: 
  • AGI Systems Tool Kit (STK)
  • Google Earth
  • CAD packages such as TeamCenter/NX
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
• Driven, highly motivated, and committed to improvement
• Ability to add something unique and positive to our team
• Generally high level of all-around awesomeness

… and you should probably have a bunch of these, too...

• Master's degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience on a spacecraft or launch vehicle program.
• Experience with launch vehicle trajectory design using the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST).
• Capability to solve complex problems with little to no supervision.
• Familiarity with Confluence/JIRA.
• Passion for space exploration and a firm belief in the utility of affordable access to space.
• Ability to thrive as a ‘one person team’

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Personal Requirements
The Virgin Orbit National Systems organization has a relaxed and informal culture that encourages individuality and innovation.  You will be motivated, enterprising and enthusiastic.  Company culture is such that you need to be able to “check your ego at the door,” be a self-starter and possess a sense of humility.  You will be helping to start Virgin Orbit National Systems from the ground up, so you will be flexible in day-to-day work assignments.  You will work well under customer time pressure and thrive on being given challenges and responsibility.  You will communicate clearly and be confident and persuasive. You will have a high level of integrity and understand the need of complete confidentiality. 

Clearance Requirements:

Position requires you have a current clearance, or are able to pass an appropriate background check for a TS/SCI.

Virgin Orbit National Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Orbit National Systems is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.