Mission Operations Engineer

Virgin Galactic, www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE), recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space. Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology. From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space, it is clear that there is much more that unites us than divides us.

“We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and change the world for good.”  Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is seeking an incredibly talented, energetic, and experienced candidate to join our Mission Operations team. The role comprises a wide variety of responsibilities and requires flexibility and gumption. The ideal candidate will be capable of working in a fast-paced environment with many quick turn-around tasks assigned daily. They must be comfortable working with minimal supervision and performing many responsibilities simultaneously. We are looking for a self-starter: someone who is project oriented, able to assess needs, implement processes, and quickly produce results with a high attention to detail.

This experienced Missions Operations Engineer (or Specialist) for our fleet vehicles will coordinate management and schedule efforts related to the integration of onsite logistics, licensing, regulatory compliance and general mission operations support. Qualified candidates should have a strong technical background in flight operations, avionics, and spectrum utilization. Experience working and coordinating with high level government representatives, senior executives, and other VIP’s is a must. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to balance technical knowledge and business acumen to fill this role.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Mission coordination
• Specific focus on flight schedule coordination for L-14 through flight day execution and close out
• Define work and processes associated with product requirements and objectives, utilizing the skills and technical abilities of the engineering team.
• Establish and maintain schedules/plans that achieve program objectives including work break down of tasks, supports the integrated master schedule, and associated resource and staffing in line with program and company financial objectives.
• Coordinate the implementation, testing, and operational integration of fleet vehicles.
• Work closely with VG leadership, program management, and engineering to optimize operations.
• Integrate daily mission operations from the Gateway Ops Desk as appropriate.
• Ensure all customer product requirements are met.
• Support Mission Operations team on a variety of special projects as they arise
• Integration of onsite logistics and planning for Professional Astronauts and Research customers
• Support regulatory efforts:
• Serve as technical VG POC on FCC relations and coordination
• Assist with 450 license application updates and modifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, with 3+ years relevant industry experience; other STEM disciplines may also be considered.
• Working knowledge of aircraft and space systems is desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team project management skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel, Project and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools. Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience is desirable.

ITAR Requirements

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

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees. 

As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, ( “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer) . If  you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire. 

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, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as newly hired employees.

 As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19virus, (“fully vaccinated” means at least two week have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer).  If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met be your date of hire.  Virgin Galactic complies with federal, state, and local laws with regard to accommodations related to this policy.