Flight Surgeon

Provides medical support for Virgin Galactic’s space flight operations and assists in the provision of medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The Flight Surgeon will be integral in the development and revision of medical standards, screening, medical risk assessment, and medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants prior to and after space flights. The Flight Surgeon will assist with Emergency Response planning and execution. This position is also responsible for integrating with design and engineering teams, providing human systems requirement inputs in addition to cabin occupancy & safety standards for current and future space flight systems. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Care for pilots and spaceflight participants pre- and post-flight

• Perform FAA AME examinations for pilots and assist in management of the Pilot Medical Program. Enable and assist pilots to optimize their health and performance to thrive in the air & space environments

• Participate in spaceflight participant (customer) readiness by performing medical assessments, risk determinations, and communication of medical risks to spaceflight participants and VG management

• Provide care or coordination of care for VG visitors (e.g., spaceflight participant friends & family, incentive flyers/guest riders) while on site and/or at VG facilities

• Provide oversight of contract providers employed during flight operations

• Provide oversight/training for aerospace medicine residents/medical students

• Engage in an active role supporting Emergency Response planning & execution

• Discover, prevent, mitigate & manage various physiological responses that result from encountering dynamic environments (e.g., acceleration forces, microgravity)

• Develop, write, and edit medical standards and space system requirements

• Support Chief Medical Officer’s strategic planning & medical concept of operations development and implementation

• Participate in training of spaceflight participants, particularly regarding aeromedical aspects of suborbital spaceflight

• Support and participate in centrifuge training for pilots/spaceflight participants

• Support the Chief Medical Officer to implement the execution of a medical program in accordance with strategic plans

• Adhere to safety standards congruent with Virgin Galactic values & practices

• Train and certify as a medical console operator in the Mission Control Center

• Evaluate, assess and communicate medical risks of planned research payloads

• Professionally represent Virgin Galactic at customer engagements, medical conferences, and industry events.

• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience and training in aerospace medicine are critical

• M.D. or D.O. degree from an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program of postgraduate training (and/or international equivalent)

• Completion of an ACGME- or AOA- accredited residency in Aerospace Medicine (and/or international equivalent). Mayo Aerospace Medicine Fellowship also fulfills this requirement

• Board eligible in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)

• Prior experience working as an aerospace medicine specialist within the aerospace industry (e.g., military, NASA, commercial space industry)

• Eligibility and commitment to acquire New Mexico medical license

• Eligibility and commitment to acquire DEA certification (federal and New Mexico)

• Eligibility and commitment to obtain FAA Class 2 medical certification

• Commitment to relocate/reside within 2-hour drive to Spaceport America, NM

• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may result in irregular hours based on the flight schedule

• Experience in generating reports/communicating data regarding medical risk

• Ability to lead by example and think/plan strategically

• Excellent communication and writing skills

• Willingness to commute to varied Virgin Galactic sites as required

• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.

• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Completed ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency/fellowship program of postgraduate specialty training (and/or international equivalent) in a primary care field of medicine (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine) to include associated board certification

• Current ABPM board certification in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)

• FAA Aviation Medical Examiner certification, Senior AME preferred

• Aeronautical rating of Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon or Chief Flight Surgeon

• Willingness/physical ability to fly regularly in aerobatic aircraft/high G environment to observe/evaluate pilot performance

• Minimum 48 months of experience as a flight surgeon

• Space medicine operational support experience highly desired

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to travel/commute to multiple Virgin Galactic sites

• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces

• Must be physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs

• Must be willing to pursue additional training and/or certifications

#LI-ID1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $126,900.00–$203,075.00. 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

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.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: View email address on click.appcast.io

Mandatory Notices

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Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal