Your Mission at Virgin Galactic
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and leading our Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Systems Integrated Program Team which will support our Spaceship Vehicles as part of Virgin Galactic’s Space Flight System. You will be responsible for leading development Projects/Programs for all components that are part of the Hybrid Rocket Propulsion System including Rocket Motor optimization. These components include Carbon Overwrapped Pressure Vessels, Valves, Instrumentation, Fluid Systems, and Electronics. Your scope of work includes the development, deployment, and supporting sustainment of these components.
In this role, you will be responsible for building and leading the team responsible for planning, integration, and execution of all Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Systems programs/projects ensuring successful completion of development, verification (Qualification and Flight Test), and transition into service. This role is also responsible for the development and execution of the in-service support strategies to ensure the maintainability and reliability of our Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Systems and its components over the service life of our Spaceships. As the Program Director, you will be expected to demonstrate the ability to integrate engineering disciplines, functions, and suppliers to successfully execute while preparing to scale the organization. As Virgin Galactic enters Commercial Service, you and your team will be required to support the Entry into Service process serving our customers in Space line Technical Operations and Space line Missions and Safety.
As we continue to transform our business, your responsibilities will include the development and deployment of Program Management processes and tools in collaboration with the Program & Business Operations Team. In addition, you will be accountable for leading the development of program plans, including baselining, and execution within the approved baseline cost, schedule, and scope. This includes accountability for developing a cross-functional team to ensure programs are executed in accordance with the gated product life cycle and Program Management processes ensuring the achievement of program and business goals.
- Develop and maintain a detailed program plan or Integrated Master Schedule which is aligned with the vehicle programs and related program planning and control tools.
- Support the development of the Program Execution Framework for Virgin Galactic integrating your experience to optimize our process and tool kit.
- Execute the approved projects/programs with accountability for cost, scope, and schedule against the approved program baseline and provide program updates as required by the executive team.
- Develop and lead risk management process including proactively maintaining and tracking program risks and opportunities and providing mitigation plans as needed.
- Leverage your experience to help the Virgin Galactic team develop and deploy program processes aligned with Program Management best practices.
- Regularly report to executive leadership, internal and external customers, and the wider organization the team’s performance in the areas of quality, scope, cost, and schedule.
- Work with other company leaders in engineering, manufacturing, and support organizations to gather history and experience to inform project planning and steering.
- Review detailed development, engineering, and manufacturing plans and ensure cross-functional integration and alignment.
- Build and develop an Integrated Program Team (IPT) that supports the portfolio, including crafting and implementing an appropriate operating system to support and ensure program execution.
- Lead program reviews, including Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR), Variance Reviews/Reporting, Monthly Program Management Reviews, and others as required.
Required Skills And Experience
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical discipline from an accredited institution
- 10+ years of industry experience in progressive technical and leadership roles
- Experience with Aerospace vehicle/System development, transition into production, and entry into service
- Demonstrated success managing aerospace projects ideally with a focus on Supplier Project Management
- Ability to apply technical and functional expertise coupled with leadership skills, program management tenacity with an unwavering commitment to quality of work products and the evolution of our tool kit, ensuring the successful advancement of human spaceflight.
- Experience with logic-linked scheduling, Cost Account Management, budget management, and reporting
- Experience with IMP/IMS, risk management, configuration management, and requirements management processes
- Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management, Configuration Management, Configuration Control, and ERP systems.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with multiple priorities as well as a disciplined flight operations setting.
- Ability to develop a framework and construct that enables detailed program planning to create the roadmap to successful execution, including the development and management of leading program indicators.
- Experience managing supplier program performance as part of the integrated team.
Preferred Skills And Experience
- PMP Certification
- Master’s degree
- Primavera (P6) Experience
- Six Sigma Training and Certification
Physical And/or Additional Requirements
- This position may be based in Mojave or in Tustin, CA offices. If Tustin, frequent travel to Mojave will be required.
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $140,900.00–$225,500.00. 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.
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.
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.