What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pilot position at Virgin Galactic?
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced SpaceShips and launch vehicles. Its scale and profitability are being driven by next-generation vehicles capable of taking humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure.
Over the past decade, several trends have converged to invigorate the commercial space industry. Rapidly advancing technologies, decreasing costs, open and collaborative innovation models, and greater availability of capital have driven explosive growth in the market. The growth in private investment has led to a wave of new commercial space companies reinventing parts of the traditional space industry, including human spaceflight, satellites, payload delivery and methods of launch, in addition to unlocking entirely new potential market segments. In light of these trends, we believe the exploration of space and the cultivation and monetization of space-related capabilities creates immense potential for economic value and future growth, in addition to rapid innovation and life-changing personal experiences.
At Virgin Galactic, we believe we are at the center of these industry trends and well-positioned to advance them and capitalize on them by opening human spaceflight to a broader global population of dreamers and adventurers. To date, the market for commercial human spaceflight for private individuals is largely untapped. As of December 31, 2024, fewer than 800 people had flown to space. Overwhelmingly, these men and women have been government employees handpicked by space agencies such as NASA and trained over many years at significant expense. Virgin Galactic is in the process of changing that. As of December 31, 2024, Virgin Galactic had reservations for approximately 700 future astronauts
Each ticket purchased delivers a unique, human-first spaceflight journey designed around each individual to maximize the transformative power of space travel. Virgin Galactic astronauts become part of a new space age, one in which leaving Earth’s atmosphere is an experience no longer reserved only for professional astronauts.
While our initial focus at Virgin Galactic has been on human spaceflight for personal exploration and research, we believe our differentiated technology and unique capabilities can be leveraged to address numerous commercial and government opportunities in the commercial space industry. Our advanced space vehicles were first built with human space travel in mind, but their potential doesn’t stop there. Our pioneering technology and industry-leading talent are opening up a world of promise and possibility.
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
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.
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.
Accommodation Requests
If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: VGTalent@virgingalactic.com
Mandatory Notices
Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights
E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es
Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Over the past decade, several trends have converged to invigorate the commercial space industry. Rapidly advancing technologies, decreasing costs, open and collaborative innovation models, and greater availability of capital have driven explosive growth in the market. The growth in private investment has led to a wave of new commercial space companies reinventing parts of the traditional space industry, including human spaceflight, satellites, payload delivery and methods of launch, in addition to unlocking entirely new potential market segments. In light of these trends, we believe the exploration of space and the cultivation and monetization of space-related capabilities creates immense potential for economic value and future growth, in addition to rapid innovation and life-changing personal experiences.
At Virgin Galactic, we believe we are at the center of these industry trends and well-positioned to advance them and capitalize on them by opening human spaceflight to a broader global population of dreamers and adventurers. To date, the market for commercial human spaceflight for private individuals is largely untapped. As of December 31, 2024, fewer than 800 people had flown to space. Overwhelmingly, these men and women have been government employees handpicked by space agencies such as NASA and trained over many years at significant expense. Virgin Galactic is in the process of changing that. As of December 31, 2024, Virgin Galactic had reservations for approximately 700 future astronauts
Each ticket purchased delivers a unique, human-first spaceflight journey designed around each individual to maximize the transformative power of space travel. Virgin Galactic astronauts become part of a new space age, one in which leaving Earth’s atmosphere is an experience no longer reserved only for professional astronauts.
While our initial focus at Virgin Galactic has been on human spaceflight for personal exploration and research, we believe our differentiated technology and unique capabilities can be leveraged to address numerous commercial and government opportunities in the commercial space industry. Our advanced space vehicles were first built with human space travel in mind, but their potential doesn’t stop there. Our pioneering technology and industry-leading talent are opening up a world of promise and possibility.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Accommodation Requests
If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: VGTalent@virgingalactic.com
Mandatory Notices
Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights
E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es
Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Salary : $260,000 - $278,750