Virgin Galactic | Pilot

Pilot, Space Missions and Safety

Location: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Category: Space Missions and Safety

Job ID: 1902

Job Type: Full-Time

Company Overview

Virgin Galactic stands at the forefront of human spaceflight, pioneering private space travel and research missions. As an aerospace and space travel company, it is dedicated to making the dream of space a reality for a broader global population of dreamers and adventurers, leveraging advanced SpaceShips and launch vehicles. The company is driving the next generation of space exploration with unprecedented frequency and industry-leading cost structures, capitalizing on rapidly advancing technologies and an invigorated commercial space industry. Virgin Galactic is uniquely positioned to advance and capitalize on these trends by opening human spaceflight to a global audience.

Role Summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking highly qualified and experienced Pilots to support the development and flight test programs of its cutting-edge spaceflight vehicles, as well as to operate commercial spaceflights. Based primarily at Spaceport America in New Mexico, with occasional work at other locations, successful candidates will play a critical role in advancing human spaceflight. This position involves direct participation in test flying and commercial pilot duties, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of sub-orbital spaceflight services for Virgin Galactic's Customer-Astronauts and Science-Research Payload customers, all in strict accordance with government regulations and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

The Pilot's responsibilities extend beyond direct flight duties on Virgin Galactic Spaceflight System vehicles and other aircraft to encompass a wide array of mission-critical functions:

• Executing flight duties on VG Spaceflight System vehicles and other aircraft.
• Conducting comprehensive flight planning activities.
• Providing essential mission control support.
• Developing and refining training assets and vehicle operations documentation.
• Participating in the planning, testing, and development of follow-on vehicles.
• Assisting in recruitment, record keeping, and fulfilling training obligations.
• Collaborating closely with safety, engineering, maintenance, commercial, and marketing teams.
• Supporting customer hospitality and astronaut training programs.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional background and meet the following stringent criteria:

• Graduation from a SETP-recognized test pilot school's full (one-year) course, coupled with extensive post-graduate test program experience.
• A diverse flying background comprising a minimum of 2,500 hours of flight experience, specifically including:
  • Multi-engine aircraft operations with asymmetric thrust performance and handling considerations.
  • Experience with high-performance fast jet aircraft.
  • Low lift-to-drag ratio glide experience (e.g., simulated flameout landings) in complex aircraft.
• Possession of a current FAA Class 1 or military medical certificate.
• A degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.
• Proven track record as a successful team member.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to be based in New Mexico.

Preferred Skills and Experience

While not strictly mandatory, the following qualifications will significantly enhance a candidate's application:

• A minimum of 2.5 years of post-graduate test pilot school flight test experience.
• Operational experience within a commercial aerospace aviation project or business.
• Excellent and current knowledge of a diverse range of aerospace matters.
• Possession of a current FAA Commercial (or equivalent) pilot license.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex aviation and safety-related information simply, succinctly, and clearly.
• Previous responsibility for authorizing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
• Prior experience in spaceflight.
• Experience in commercial flight operations involving direct customer interaction.

Note: Some desirable criteria may be reduced for otherwise exceptional candidates.

Compensation

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $260,000.00 – $278,750.00.

The specific base pay offered will vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience, and internal equity considerations. Comprehensive benefits, including medical, financial, and other packages, are provided, and additional forms of compensation (e.g., bonus or long-term incentive) may be part of the overall compensation package, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits.

Company Culture and Compliance

• 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.
• EEO Statement: 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 disability or any other legally protected status.
• Drug-Free Workplace: Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. 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.