Your Mission at Virgin Galactic
This position forms a part of VG’s Flight and Test Operations team, under the Space Missions and Safety group. From time to time, the position may involve work at VG’s other locations in California, or elsewhere.
The Mission Control Engineer will perform the crucial role of monitoring Spaceship’s aerodynamics, performance and handling qualities in real-time as part of the mission control team during test flights and commercial operations. As well as providing flight day support, this role will involve regular simulator-based training with the mission control team and a variety of discipline-specific pre-flight and post-flight support functions.
- Monitor vehicle aerodynamics, performance and handling qualities in real-time during flights and advise of any necessary corrective actions.
- Develop a deep understanding of the vehicle’s flight characteristics, flight controls and air data systems, off-nominals and associated mission rules.
- Support the development and refinement of test plans and test points related to aerodynamics, performance and handling qualities.
- Support the development of flight predictions and present relevant information at pre-flight readiness reviews.
- Post-flight data analysis of flight characteristics, flight controls and air data system performance and presentation of results.
- Develop and maintain MATLAB scripts and other data analysis tools.
- Develop and maintain mission control display screens.
- Support the development of flight limits, mission rules and launch commit criteria.
- Liaise closely with the Flight Sciences Engineering team to provide future design recommendations based on operational experience.
- Other mission-related duties to support company objectives as required.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Engineering discipline from an accredited institution
- 2-4 years of relevant industry experience
- Working knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, stability and handling qualities, flight controls and air data systems.
- Working knowledge of MATLAB software
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Excellent decision-making skills and ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work flexible hours in support of regular spaceflight missions
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Previous control room experience
- Working knowledge of IADS software
- Background in flight operations and/or flight test environments
- Private pilot experience
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $85,900.00–$131,050.00. 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 transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.
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.
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, 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.