We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Principal Mission Operations Engineer to lead our Mission Control team. In this pivotal role, you will manage and coordinate real-time flight operations for suborbital spaceflights, ensuring mission success, crew safety, and operational excellence for the ultimate customer experience.
This role is ideal for a professional with hands-on experience in high-tempo, high-stakes mission environments such as NASA’s Johnson Space Center or similar institutions. You will be responsible for managing the flight control team, overseeing system readiness, and executing mission plans from pre-flight through post-flight operations.

Responsibilities

• This position provides flight control and training support to the Spaceflight System of Virgin Galactic at the Gateway to Space located at the Spaceport of America in NM for:
• Spaceship monitoring, Trajectory evaluation, Onboard systems operations, Mission timeline development, In-flight crew systems support, Spacecraft Communications and Telemetry, Environmental control and life support, Systems integration and data handling.
• Serve as one of the main authorities in the Mission Control Center during flight operations.
• Lead with technical experience and aptitude to include:
• mission planning, simulations, and execution for suborbital spaceflight missions.
• Direct and coordinate the real-time activities of all mission control console positions.
• Ensure mission safety and compliance with all operational and regulatory protocols.
• Make critical go/no-go decisions during dynamic flight phases.
• Conduct mission debriefs and lead root cause analysis following anomalies or deviations with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with our test pilots, engineering, ground systems, safety, and flight test teams to drive out and establish test conduct activities.
• Drive continuous improvement of procedures, checklists, and mission rules to include the establishment of the rules of engagement (ROE) for mission control.
• Support crew training, rehearsals, and integrated simulations as the lead technical Flight console role.
• Duties will require successfully completing a training and skill certification process
• Typically, the candidate will first train and become certified for a Mission Control Center position
• Individuals in this position may interface directly with VG customers or their guests

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 20 years of experience in spaceflight or high-consequence flight test operations.
• Minimum of 10 year demonstrated leadership as test conductor or flight conductor in real-time mission control environments (e.g. NASA or equivalent).
• Proven ability to make rapid, informed decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and team leadership skills.
• Experience with mission simulation and flight readiness processes.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous certification as a NASA Flight Director or similar authority in commercial spaceflight.
• Familiarity with suborbital vehicle operations and system architectures.
• Understanding of flight safety protocols, telemetry systems, and flight software integration.
• Experience coordinating with FAA, launch range authorities, and airspace regulators.
• Manned flight test experience or close collaboration with test pilots.
• Pilot or flight crew experience is a plus.

LI-DR1
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.

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

• This position provides flight control and training support to the Spaceflight System of Virgin Galactic at the Gateway to Space located at the Spaceport of America in NM for:
• Spaceship monitoring, Trajectory evaluation, Onboard systems operations, Mission timeline development, In-flight crew systems support, Spacecraft Communications and Telemetry, Environmental control and life support, Systems integration and data handling.
• Serve as one of the main authorities in the Mission Control Center during flight operations.
• Lead with technical experience and aptitude to include:
• mission planning, simulations, and execution for suborbital spaceflight missions.
• Direct and coordinate the real-time activities of all mission control console positions.
• Ensure mission safety and compliance with all operational and regulatory protocols.
• Make critical go/no-go decisions during dynamic flight phases.
• Conduct mission debriefs and lead root cause analysis following anomalies or deviations with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with our test pilots, engineering, ground systems, safety, and flight test teams to drive out and establish test conduct activities.
• Drive continuous improvement of procedures, checklists, and mission rules to include the establishment of the rules of engagement (ROE) for mission control.
• Support crew training, rehearsals, and integrated simulations as the lead technical Flight console role.
• Duties will require successfully completing a training and skill certification process
• Typically, the candidate will first train and become certified for a Mission Control Center position
• Individuals in this position may interface directly with VG customers or their guest