Virgin Galactic · 1 week ago
Specialist Engineer, Flight Test
Truth Or Consequences, NM
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$136K/yr - $208K/yr
12+ years expVirgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. As a Specialist, Flight Test Engineer, you will lead ground and flight test activities, ensuring safety and technical integrity while coordinating with various engineering teams.
AerospaceCommercialSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead ground test and flight test activities
Gather and develop the test requirements from the different engineering disciplines
Work with Engineering to turn requirements into test configuration, procedures, conditions, and maneuvers
Develop test plans, including hazard analyses
Develop the test schedules with project engineers and program managers
Coordinate test schedules with Maintenance, Engineering, and Flight Operations
Define control room display requirements and updates
Define and monitor configurations for tests
Conduct test readiness reviews (TRRs), technical safety review boards (TSRBs), flight readiness reviews (FRRs), or support major program milestones
Monitor and conduct tests on the aircraft and spaceships
Provide daily reports on vehicle progress and reports on tests as flown and completed
Update flight logs and test documentation
Write test reports to document results
Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in aerospace
~12 years of flight test experience
Thorough understanding of aeroelastic flutter, fly-by-wire flight controls, handling qualities, and mechanical systems
Passionate, and organized team member ready to support complex test operations
Able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex product development environment with multiple priorities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail - Team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy and working under tight time deadlines
Experience leading a control room for mission-critical test campaigns
Able to hold an FAA Second-Class medical certificate
Travel is 50-70% in 2025/2026
Preferred
Experience with IMP/IMS, risk management, configuration management, requirements management processes preferred
A general understanding of aerospace drawings, specifications, and manufacturing processes
Understanding and familiarity with the National Airspace System (NAS), Military Operating Areas (MOAs), and other Special Use Airspaces (SUAs)
Practitioner and advocate of good crew resource management (CRM) practices
Test Pilot School graduate, or flight test course work
Benefits
Full range of medical, financial, and other benefits
Company
Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is a commercial spaceline that develops commercial spacecrafts.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.59B2025-12-09Post Ipo Equity· $46M
2025-12-09Post Ipo Debt· $203M
2024-11-06Post Ipo Equity· $300M
Leadership Team
Michael Colglazier
Chief Executive Officer
Aparna Chitale
Chief People Officer & Executive Vice President Customer Operations
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-05
2026-01-03
2025-12-24
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