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Specialist Engineer, Software

Virgin Galactic
Tustin, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/9/2025 CLOSED ON 12/16/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist Engineer, Software position at Virgin Galactic?

Virgin Galactic is seeking a seasoned and accomplished avionics software engineer who is a strong individual contributor and enjoys mentoring and coaching teammates. You will already have hands-on experience with architecting software solutions, expanding multiple safety-critical software systems. You will bring significant expertise in architecting, designing, and developing embedded systems for safety critical applications. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions, ensure the project meets mission requirements and maintains technical, budgetary and schedule integrity.

Responsibilities

  • Interface with spaceship pilots, ground support team and other SMEs to engineer software solutions to support the mission of taking humans to space
  • Lead software systems architecture design and implementation
  • Identify opportunities for better design and implementation of software systems for safety critical applications
  • Develop and maintain avionics software applications through the complete software lifecycle using C/C
  • Mentor colleagues and help troubleshoot problems across multiple software projects across multiple platforms
  • Design software solutions for vehicle level issues utilizing multiple software subsystems
  • Actively participate in code reviews, requirements development, internal audits, and other software-related development activities
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of the software development and integration process within the department

Required Skills And Experience

  • B.S. or M.S. in an Engineering discipline from an accredited university
  • 12 years’ related experience including at least 4 years’ of safety-critical software development programs in aerospace or similar field
  • Demonstrated experience with C and C embedded software
  • Experience with safety-critical embedded system hardware and software projects following DO-178
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and ARINC 651 Integrated Modular Avionics architecture
  • Experience with communication over RS232, RS485, CAN and Ethernet - Experience with SoC configuration and integration - Experience with hardware descriptions languages such as VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Experience with MATLAB and Simulink for modelling and data analysis
  • Experience with the Atlassian software project management suite including JIRA, Bitbucket (Git), Confluence, and Crucible

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $136,063.00–$207,596.00. 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.

Salary : $136,063 - $207,596

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