Engineer I, Mission Control-Aerodynamics is part of the VG’s Flight Simulation & Mission Control team within the Spaceline Missions and Mission Operations Group.

The Mission Control Engineer plays a key role in real-time flight monitoring as a member of the mission control team during test flights and commercial operations. The role includes active participation in mission control operations, simulator-based training, and engineering support across pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight phases, with a strong emphasis on flight sciences disciplines such as aerodynamics, vehicle performance, and flight dynamics.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor vehicle performance, aerodynamic behavior, and related systems in real-time during flights, advising the crew and control team on any necessary actions.
• Develop in-depth expertise in flight dynamics, flight envelope behavior, off-nominal responses, and mission rules.
• Contribute to the generation of flight predictions, aerodynamic modeling inputs, and present findings in pre-flight readiness reviews.
• Conduct detailed post-flight analysis of flight performance, trajectory data, and aircraft behavior; summarize findings in mission debriefs.
• Develop and maintain data analysis tools and scripts (e.g., MATLAB) for aerodynamic and performance assessments.
• Design and update mission observation display screens to reflect critical flight sciences data.
• Support the definition and refinement of flight limits, mission rules, and launch commit criteria based on flight sciences principles.
• Assist in the development of flight test plans and test point definitions.
• Collaborate closely with the Flight Sciences Engineering team to feed operational observations into design improvements and vehicle performance assessments.
• Perform other mission-related duties in support of program objectives as needed.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and related vehicle systems.
• Experience working with flight data analysis tools such as MATLAB.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in aerospace or flight test environments.
• Familiarity with tools like IADS, X-Plane, or other flight data visualization software.
• Experience supporting flight test operations, flight planning, or real-time vehicle monitoring.
• Private pilot license or equivalent flight experience.

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The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $74,675.00–$108,356.00. 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.