Pilot

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.

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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 2 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.

Some of the above desirable criteria may be reduced for otherwise exceptional candidates.

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.