Virgin Galactic | Pilot

Pilot, Space Missions and Safety

About Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is a visionary aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers through its advanced SpaceShips and next-generation launch vehicles. The company is actively driving the expansion and profitability of commercial space by developing vehicles capable of unprecedented flight frequency, supported by an industry-leading cost structure.

Operating at the nexus of technological advancement and market growth, Virgin Galactic is ideally positioned within the burgeoning commercial space industry. The company believes in the profound potential for economic value, future growth, rapid innovation, and life-changing personal experiences offered by space exploration and its related capabilities. With a mission to open human spaceflight to a broader global population of dreamers and adventurers, Virgin Galactic is transforming a market previously reserved for professional astronauts, making unique, human-first space journeys accessible.

Beyond personal exploration, Virgin Galactic’s differentiated technology and unique capabilities are poised to address numerous commercial and government opportunities within the space industry, unlocking a world of promise and possibility through its pioneering technology and industry-leading talent.

The Opportunity: Pilot, Spaceflight Operations

Virgin Galactic is actively recruiting highly qualified Pilots to support the comprehensive development and flight test programs of its cutting-edge spaceflight vehicles, as well as to operate commercial spaceflights. The successful applicant will primarily be based at Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, with occasional work assignments at other locations.

This critical role encompasses primary responsibilities in test flying and commercial pilot duties. The Pilot will be instrumental in supporting the development and operation of the Virgin Galactic spaceflight system in strict accordance with government regulations and company policies and procedures. This includes operating the sub-orbital spaceflight service for Virgin Galactic’s esteemed Customer-Astronauts and Science-Research Payload customers.

Key Responsibilities

In addition to active flight duties on Virgin Galactic Spaceflight System vehicles and other associated aircraft, the Pilot's responsibilities will include:

• Leading meticulous flight planning activities.
• Providing essential support roles within mission control.
• Contributing to the development of training assets and comprehensive vehicle operations documentation.
• Participating in the planning, testing, and development phases of follow-on vehicles.
• Fulfilling recruitment, record-keeping, and training obligations.
• Collaborating closely with the safety, engineering, maintenance, commercial, and marketing teams.
• Actively supporting customer hospitality and astronaut training programs.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates for this distinguished Pilot position must demonstrate an exceptional background and meet the following stringent criteria:

• Graduation from an SETP-recognized test pilot school's full (one-year) course, complemented by extensive post-graduate test program experience.
• A diverse flying background comprising a minimum of 2,500 hours of flight experience, specifically including:
  • Extensive experience with multi-engine aircraft demonstrating asymmetric thrust performance and handling considerations.
  • Proficiency in high-performance fast jet aircraft.
  • Demonstrated low lift-to-drag ratio glide experience (e.g., simulated flameout landings) in complex aircraft.
• Possession of a valid FAA Class 1 or military medical certificate.
• A degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.
• A proven track record as a successful and collaborative team member.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Skills and Experience

While not strictly required, candidates possessing the following skills and experience will be highly regarded and are encouraged to apply:

• 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 environment.
• Excellent and current knowledge of a diverse range of aerospace matters and industry trends.
• A current FAA Commercial (or equivalent) pilot license.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex aviation knowledge 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 operations.
• Experience in commercial flight operations involving direct customer interaction.

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

Export Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or be able to obtain the necessary authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, the applicant must not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. This list can be found on the Treasury Department's website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace. All applicants, upon receiving an offer of employment, and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when specific criteria are met, as outlined in company policies. This includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident-related drug and alcohol testing.

Phoenix Employment Requirements

For individuals seeking employment at Virgin Galactic's Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining a TSA-authorized security badge. This requirement includes initial and annual mandatory background checks conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office, governed by the TSA.