Virgin Galactic Pilots

Virgin Galactic (VG) is recruiting pilots to support the development and the flight test programs of its spaceflight vehicles, and to operate commercial spaceflights.

Successful applicants will be based at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Some work will also take place from time to time at other locations. The primary responsibilities are test flying and commercial pilot duties. Pilots will support the development and operation of the VG spaceflight system in accordance with government regulations and company policies and procedures, and operate the sub-orbital spaceflight service for VG Customer-Astronauts and Science-Research Payload customers.

Responsibilities:

In addition to flight duties on the VG Spaceflight System vehicles and other aircraft, duties will also include flight planning activities, mission control support roles, the development of training assets, vehicle operations documentation, planning, testing and developing follow-on vehicles, recruitment, record keeping and training obligations, as well as supporting the safety, engineering, maintenance, commercial and marketing teams, and supporting customer hospitality and training.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Graduate of an SETP-recognized test pilot school full (one year) course with extensive post-graduate test program experience.
• A diverse flying background with at least 2,500 hours flying experience to include: multi-engine aircraft with asymmetric thrust performance and handling considerations; high performance fast jet aircraft, and low lift-to-drag ratio glide experience (e.g. simulated flameout landings) in complex aircraft.
• FAA Class 1 or military medical.
• Degree level qualification in a relevant technical field.
• Proven successful team member.
• Excellent communication skills. 
• The position is to be based in New Mexico.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 2½ years post-graduate test pilot school flight test experience.
• Operational experience of a commercial aerospace aviation project or business.
• Excellent and current knowledge of a diverse range of aerospace matters.
• A current FAA Commercial (or equivalent) pilot license.
• Ability to communicate 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.
• Previous experience in spaceflight.
• Commercial flight operations with customer interaction. 

Some of the above desirable criteria may be reduced for otherwise exceptional candidates. 

Benefits:

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $260,000.00–$278,750.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are:

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. 

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. See list here.

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.