Title: Operations Specialist
Your Mission at Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is opening space for the benefit of humankind. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Our team is driven by safety, operational excellence, and a shared belief that space has the power to inspire. The team of Operations Specialists plays a mission‑critical role in ensuring our Spaceline operates with precision, predictability, and continual improvement as we grow flight cadence and expand our impact. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
This experienced, hands‐on Operations Specialist will coordinate schedule and execution efforts related to the operational implementation, documentation, modifications management, and issues resolution of the Space Flight System (Spaceship and/or Launch vehicles). Qualified candidates should have a strong technical background in aerospace operational management, with extensive experience leading and managing complex system development or operations. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to balance technical knowledge and business acumen to manage these operations.
Responsibilities
- Manage and integrate work and processes associated with Space Flight System (SFS) (Spaceship/Launch Vehicle) requirements and objectives, utilizing the skills and technical abilities of the full team into a master schedule
- Establish and maintain plans that achieves SFS program objectives including work breakdown of tasks, supports the integrated master schedule, and allocates associated resource and staffing in line with program and company financial objectives
- Work closely with VG leadership and program management to continuously improve systems, processes, and operations for schedule execution
- Ensure all customer product/servicing schedule requirements are met
- Perform special studies as appropriate with intent to improve operational schedule efficiency and/or earned value
- Coordinate and/or integrate with VG systems engineers and counterpart designers on modifications and/or design change proposals to Spaceship or Launch Vehicle systems into the integrated master schedule
- Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or related operations field
- 10+ years in mission operations, integrated operations planning, airspace management, airline/aviation operations, aerospace operations, or space operations
- Working knowledge of aircraft and space systems and familiarity with relevant aerospace standards (FAA, FAA‐AST etc.).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Ground and flight-testing experience of new aviation/aerospace systems is desirable
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong IT skills, including Excel and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools such as Primavera P6. Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience is desirable
- Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
- Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
#LI-JR1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $81,650.00–$124,600.00. 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.
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: VGTalent@virgingalactic.com
Mandatory Notices
Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights
E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es