Virgin Galactic hires people with backgrounds in engineering, manufacturing, support, and mission operations. Their teams build and operate the commercial spaceflight program.
You’ll find roles ranging from spacecraft design to customer experience management. They look for folks who want to help shape the future of space travel.
The engineering team at Virgin Galactic designs and develops the mothership and spaceship systems. They’re the ones making commercial space travel actually work.
Engineers handle propulsion systems, flight controls, and safety mechanisms. Aerospace engineers focus on vehicle design and performance, making sure the spacecraft can carry passengers safely to the edge of space and back.
Software engineers build flight control systems and ground support software. They tackle navigation and communication between aircraft and mission control.
Test engineers run safety evaluations on spacecraft components. They run simulations and physical tests to see how systems perform under tough conditions.
Systems engineers bring together different technical teams. They make sure all the subsystems work together during flight operations.
Production teams actually build the spacecraft and components for commercial flights. These roles need precision skills and a close eye for aerospace quality.
Manufacturing technicians assemble spacecraft parts and handle final vehicle integration. They work with tough materials like carbon fiber composites.
Quality control specialists inspect every component before installation. They use special tools to check parts against engineering specs.
Production supervisors keep manufacturing on schedule and coordinate build teams. They make sure spacecraft get finished on time and meet safety requirements.
Assembly mechanics install propulsion systems, life support equipment, and passenger cabin features. Their work directly affects passenger safety and comfort.
Support staff keep Virgin Galactic running smoothly. They handle business operations, customer service, and facility management.
Customer experience directors guide the whole passenger journey, from booking to flight. They design training programs and work closely with flight crews.
Facilities assistants maintain spaceports and office buildings. They handle repairs and make sure work areas meet safety standards.
Human resources professionals recruit new people and manage benefits programs. They help build teams with the right skills for space operations.
Administrative staff take care of scheduling, documentation, and compliance. They connect different departments and work with external partners.
Mission operations staff directly support spaceflight activities and make sure flights run safely. These roles need specialized training in space systems and emergency procedures.
Flight controllers monitor spacecraft systems during missions. They stay in contact with pilots and track vehicle performance in real time.
Ground support crews prep spacecraft for launch and handle post-flight tasks. They take care of pre-flight checks and passenger boarding.
Mission planners set flight schedules and keep an eye on the weather. They decide when it’s safe to launch.
Safety specialists develop emergency response plans and do risk assessments. They make sure everything meets Federal Aviation Administration requirements for commercial spaceflight.
Virgin Galactic employees handle technical operations, safety protocols, and mission-critical coordination across departments. Each role needs specific aerospace expertise, and everyone keeps strict quality standards for all spaceflight activities.
Project managers at Virgin Galactic coordinate spaceflight missions from planning to post-flight analysis. They set up timelines for customer flights and make sure every mission meets safety requirements and regulatory rules.
They work with engineering, flight operations, and customer experience teams. Project managers track maintenance schedules and pilot training needs.
They also handle resources for each flight, including ground support equipment and staff assignments.
Critical project elements include:
Project managers keep an eye on budgets for each mission. They work with procurement to make sure equipment and materials arrive on time.
They handle detailed record-keeping for all mission activities and regulatory reports.
Teams at Virgin Galactic have to work together on every spaceflight. Engineers, pilots, ground crews, and customer service staff all play a part.
Flight operations teams talk directly with mission control during flights. Ground support crews share data with engineering about spacecraft systems.
Customer experience teams give passenger information to medical and safety staff.
Key collaboration areas involve:
Regular meetings keep everyone updated about upcoming missions and changes. Training programs help staff see how their roles connect with other departments.
Emergency procedures need coordinated responses from several teams at once.
Virgin Galactic takes safety protocols seriously for all operations and passenger activities. Quality assurance teams check every system before flights, using detailed checklists and verification steps.
Safety officers monitor ground and flight activities. They audit maintenance and staff training programs.
Quality control specialists make sure equipment meets aerospace industry and regulatory standards.
Essential oversight responsibilities include:
Quality teams also check customer safety protocols and medical clearance. They make sure staff keep their certifications current.
Post-flight analysis covers safety reviews and performance assessments for ongoing improvement.
Virgin Galactic looks for candidates with backgrounds in aerospace engineering, business administration, and technical expertise in areas like spacecraft systems, composite materials, and flight operations. They value specialized experience and strong foundational skills that support their space tourism mission.
Virgin Galactic welcomes people from different educational paths. They focus on engineering disciplines, especially aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
These degrees cover flight systems and spacecraft design basics.
Business and operations roles need different backgrounds. Marketing, hospitality, and customer service degrees fit well with their space tourism focus.
They want professionals who understand luxury travel.
Some roles accept high school diplomas with relevant experience. Technical jobs like composite technicians and facilities assistants often care more about hands-on skills than formal education.
Trade school certifications in aviation maintenance or manufacturing are a big plus.
Advanced degrees help for certain specialized jobs. Research and development positions like master’s or PhDs in engineering get preference.
Management roles value MBAs with aerospace knowledge.
Virgin Galactic gives priority to candidates with aerospace backgrounds. Experience with commercial aviation, defense contractors, or NASA shows you know the industry.
Understanding FAA regulations and safety protocols is especially useful.
Manufacturing experience in precision industries works well for spacecraft production. People from automotive, semiconductor, or medical device fields bring useful skills.
Quality control experience is key for aerospace safety.
Customer service experience in luxury markets matches Virgin Galactic’s space tourism style. High-end hospitality, aviation, or automotive service roles help develop the right client skills.
They want people who understand premium customer expectations.
Test engineering and flight operations experience stand out. Military pilots, flight test engineers, and aircraft maintenance pros bring directly relevant skills.
Spacecraft testing needs a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail.
Composite materials expertise is a big deal at Virgin Galactic. Knowing carbon fiber manufacturing, repair, and inspection supports spacecraft construction.
This knowledge directly affects vehicle safety and performance.
Flight test instrumentation skills help with safety monitoring during spacecraft development. Candidates need to know data acquisition systems, sensors, and real-time analysis.
Experience with experimental aircraft testing also helps.
Software engineering supports many Virgin Galactic operations. Flight control systems, customer experience platforms, and manufacturing automation all need programming.
Python, C++, and aerospace-specific languages come up a lot.
Space systems engineering mixes multiple technical disciplines. Understanding orbital mechanics, life support systems, and spacecraft design principles lets you contribute to projects.
This expertise usually comes from aerospace experience or advanced study.
Virgin Galactic says their hiring process usually takes about 37 days from application to final decision. They use a structured process with online applications, several interview rounds, and assessments tailored to the aerospace industry.
Virgin Galactic asks candidates to apply through their online portal. Applicants fill out a digital form with personal info, work history, and job-specific questions.
Most positions require a resume and cover letter. Technical roles may ask for certifications, portfolio samples, or project examples.
Virgin Galactic reviews applications within a week or two. The HR team screens candidates based on qualifications, experience, and fit with company values.
Selected candidates get email notifications to move forward.
Applicants should highlight aerospace experience or transferable skills. The company values innovation and teamwork from the start.
Virgin Galactic typically holds several interview rounds. The first is usually a phone or video call with HR, covering basic qualifications and interest in space.
Technical roles move on to panel interviews with managers and team members. These focus on job skills and problem-solving.
Engineering interviews may include technical discussions about spacecraft systems or safety.
Final interviews often bring in senior leadership or department heads. Candidates talk about their long-term goals and how they connect with Virgin Galactic’s mission.
The interview process looks for cultural fit as well as technical strength. They want people who share their excitement for space and customer safety.
Virgin Galactic uses role-specific assessments to test candidate skills. Technical jobs may require engineering problems or software tests.
These measure both knowledge and practical ability.
Safety-critical roles go through thorough background checks and reference calls. The company keeps strict standards for any job that affects flight or passenger safety.
Some jobs need skills demonstrations or presentations. Marketing candidates might show campaign ideas, while engineers explain technical solutions to real problems.
Virgin Galactic also checks how well candidates handle pressure. The space industry demands precision and calm decisions, especially when things get intense.
Virgin Galactic offers several ways for employees to move up, with structured training and leadership development programs. They put a real emphasis on professional growth, mentorship, and tuition assistance.
New hires at Virgin Galactic go through a comprehensive onboarding process made for the aerospace industry. The company trains staff in space vehicle operations and safety protocols.
Technical staff get hands-on training with spacecraft systems and ground support gear. Engineers work alongside experienced teammates to learn Virgin Galactic’s approach to suborbital flight.
The training covers technical skills and company culture. Employees learn about the mission to make space accessible while building expertise in their jobs.
Safety training is a huge part of onboarding. Every team member completes safety certifications needed for aerospace work before starting independent tasks.
Virgin Galactic runs leadership development programs for employees who show management potential. They usually promote from within, and they try to create clear advancement paths for dedicated people.
Project leadership roles let employees manage cross-functional teams. These roles give folks a chance to build the skills they’ll need for senior positions later on.
The company encourages lateral moves so employees can check out different departments. This helps team members broaden their experience and maybe even discover new interests within Virgin Galactic.
Mentorship programs connect junior employees with senior staff. These relationships offer guidance on career development and help people navigate advancement opportunities in the space tourism industry.
Virgin Galactic supports continuing education with tuition reimbursement. Employees can go after advanced degrees or certifications that fit their aerospace careers.
They offer both vertical and horizontal career progression. Team members can move up to higher-level positions or shift into specialized roles that match their skills and interests.
Supervisors discuss career development during performance reviews. These conversations help employees spot advancement opportunities and create personal growth plans.
Virgin Galactic encourages employees to work on projects outside their main responsibilities. This approach lets people develop new skills while pitching in on different parts of the space tourism mission.
Virgin Galactic offers competitive pay that reflects the specialized nature of aerospace work. Employees get comprehensive health coverage and wellness programs made for the space industry’s demands.
Virgin Galactic pays between $53,479 and $177,000 a year, depending on the job. Assembly technicians start at the lower end, while safety engineers pull in the top salary at $177,000.
Technical roles come with strong wages. Materials engineers earn about $92,460 in total compensation each year. Project managers can make as much as $243,780 annually.
Hourly workers do well, too. Interns start at $20.13 per hour, and line technicians earn $49.75 per hour for their specialized skills.
Virgin Galactic adjusts pay based on experience and location. Jobs that require aerospace certifications usually pay more. The company competes with other space companies for top talent.
Virgin Galactic has an employee recognition program for outstanding work. Workers can earn extra money through different incentive structures, though the company doesn’t share exact bonus percentages or criteria publicly.
Recognition programs reward achievements in safety and innovation. Employees working on critical spaceflight projects might get special recognition. Project completion bonuses are pretty common in aerospace.
Performance-based incentives tie into company milestones. Virgin Galactic likely offers stock options or equity. Many aerospace workers get yearly performance bonuses based on their own and the company’s goals.
Virgin Galactic provides comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance. Employees get access to flexible spending accounts for medical expenses. The company also offers a 401(k) retirement plan with employer participation.
Workers get paid vacation and sick leave. An employee assistance program gives access to mental health and counseling services.
The company knows that space industry work requires both physical and mental wellness support. Benefits packages help attract qualified engineers and technicians. Employees rate their compensation and benefits 3.2 out of 5 stars in anonymous reviews.
Virgin Galactic runs as a commercial spaceline with hundreds of professionals across multiple locations. The company gets mixed reviews on work-life balance and management, but employees like working on meaningful space exploration projects.
Virgin Galactic wants to build the world’s first commercial spaceline that opens space access to everyone. They hire engineers, technicians, and mission controllers who develop next-generation space vehicles.
Teams work at several facilities to push commercial spaceflight technology forward. The mission focuses on making space travel possible for civilians—not just astronauts.
Employees say working on these space projects gives their jobs real meaning and purpose. The company sees itself as a pioneer in commercial space tourism.
Staff members help advance human spaceflight. The organization values innovation in aerospace technology and safety systems.
Virgin Galactic runs internship programs to introduce new talent to aerospace careers. These programs throw participants into challenging projects that match company goals.
The company hires people from all sorts of technical backgrounds, from engineering to mission operations. Staff work together across specializations to develop integrated space systems.
Virgin Galactic offers jobs that can launch careers in the growing space industry. They look for professionals who are passionate about commercial spaceflight.
Teams tackle tough technical challenges that need diverse skills. The company values different perspectives when solving aerospace engineering problems.
Employee reviews show mixed feelings about work-life balance at Virgin Galactic. Staff rate the company 3.0 out of 5 for work-life balance on review sites.
Only 22% of employees would recommend the company to friends based on their experience. Culture and values get a 2.3 out of 5 from current and former staff.
Some reviews mention management challenges and high turnover in certain departments. Employees rate career advancement opportunities at 2.4 out of 5.
Aerospace development can create intense work schedules. Space industry deadlines and safety requirements often mean technical teams work long hours.
Virgin Galactic operates from several specialized facilities built for space tourism. The company offers onsite positions at key aerospace locations and some remote opportunities, depending on the role.
Virgin Galactic has three main locations in the United States. The main operational base is at Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where spaceflight operations happen.
The Mojave facility in California is the manufacturing and testing center. This site handles spacecraft development and pilot training programs. Engineers and technical staff work hands-on with the SpaceShipTwo vehicle system.
The Tustin, California office takes care of business operations and customer experience. Administrative, marketing, and customer service teams work from this corporate spot.
Most engineering and operations jobs require people to be onsite because spacecraft work is hands-on. Manufacturing technicians, test engineers, and flight operations staff all work at physical facilities.
Customer experience roles sometimes offer hybrid arrangements. Some administrative and business development jobs allow remote work. Sales and marketing professionals occasionally work remotely but travel for customer meetings.
Flight operations and safety-critical jobs always need people onsite. Pilots, ground crew, and mission control staff work only at operational facilities.
Jobs in New Mexico often require relocation since Spaceport America is pretty remote. The company may offer relocation help for key technical positions. Housing options are available in Las Cruces and Albuquerque.
California-based jobs usually draw from local talent. The Mojave and Tustin locations are in established aerospace communities. Employees often travel between facilities for cross-functional projects.
Some roles involve frequent travel between the three main sites. Project managers and senior engineers often split their time between manufacturing and operations locations.
Virgin Galactic wants candidates who meet strict citizenship standards and follow complex aerospace export laws. These requirements protect sensitive space technology and keep the company in line with national security compliance.
Virgin Galactic usually asks for U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for most engineering and technical jobs. This comes from working with spacecraft technology under U.S. export control regulations.
Some roles need security clearances if they involve classified information or sensitive aerospace data. The company checks each candidate’s background through standard screening.
Applicants must be at least 18 to qualify for jobs at Virgin Galactic. Most roles also require at least two years of relevant experience or education in aerospace, engineering, or related fields.
The regulatory compliance team works directly with federal agencies. These jobs often have stricter citizenship requirements because they deal with government oversight and safety rules.
Virgin Galactic follows strict International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These laws control who can access sensitive aerospace technology and technical data.
Employees in engineering, manufacturing, and technical jobs must prove they can access ITAR-controlled information. This usually means U.S. citizenship and excludes foreign nationals from certain jobs.
The company’s regulatory specialists keep up with Federal Aviation Administration requirements. They coordinate with government agencies to maintain the right licenses and approvals.
Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft development uses dual-use technologies that need careful export control management. Staff get training on handling controlled technical data and manufacturing processes.
Virgin Galactic creates structured pathways for new graduates and early-career professionals through summer internships and entry-level positions in aerospace engineering and space operations.
Virgin Galactic runs a 12-week summer internship that connects college students to hands-on spaceflight experience. Students work directly on projects that push human spaceflight technology forward.
The internship focuses on practical skills in aerospace engineering, propulsion systems, and flight operations. Interns get exposure to real spacecraft development and space tourism operations.
Key program features include:
Applications usually open in fall and winter for the next summer. Engineering, physics, and technical students get priority.
Virgin Galactic actively hires new graduates for entry-level aerospace engineering jobs. Current openings include propulsion engineers, test technicians, and systems engineers.
Entry-level engineers work on spacecraft design, testing, and flight safety. New hires receive training on Virgin Galactic’s air-launched spaceflight technology.
Common entry-level roles:
The company looks for candidates with aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics backgrounds. Previous internship experience or relevant coursework in spaceflight systems helps.
Most jobs require security clearance eligibility and willingness to relocate to New Mexico or California.
Getting hired at Virgin Galactic takes strategic preparation and attention to detail. Candidates should focus on showing relevant technical skills and real passion for space exploration.
Put your aerospace experience, engineering background, or technical skills right at the top of your resume. Virgin Galactic looks for candidates who’ve actually worked with aviation, spacecraft systems, or mission-critical operations.
Key resume elements include:
Use specific numbers to show your achievements. For example, saying “Reduced system testing time by 30%” gives a clear picture of your impact.
Keep your resume format simple and professional. Skip the fancy graphics—those can trip up applicant tracking systems.
Space industry keywords really matter. Phrases like “flight operations,” “systems engineering,” “quality control,” and “safety compliance” help your resume get through the first screening.
Make sure you tailor each resume to match the job requirements you see in Virgin Galactic’s postings.
Virgin Galactic puts a lot of weight on technical skills and cultural fit during interviews. Expect several rounds, including technical assessments and behavioral questions about handling pressure.
Brush up on spacecraft systems, safety protocols, and industry regulations. Show that you understand commercial spaceflight and what Virgin Galactic aims to do.
Interview preparation steps:
Behavioral questions often focus on teamwork and your passion for space. Come ready with stories that show leadership, collaboration, and creative thinking.
Virgin Galactic wants people who thrive in fast-paced, mission-critical settings where details matter.
Try some mock interviews to get comfortable talking about your experience. Record yourself if you can; it helps you catch habits and tweak your style before the real thing.
Job seekers usually have a lot of questions about Virgin Galactic’s application process, qualifications, and career paths in commercial space.
You can apply for Virgin Galactic jobs through their official careers page or on professional sites like LinkedIn. The company posts new openings across different departments pretty regularly.
Most positions ask for a resume and cover letter through their online portal. Highlight your aerospace experience and technical skills that fit the company’s space tourism mission.
Virgin Galactic takes applications all year for various roles. Check their careers section often since new jobs pop up as projects and teams grow.
Virgin Galactic looks for people with strong technical backgrounds in aerospace engineering, software development, manufacturing, and similar fields. Most technical jobs need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
Experience with spacecraft systems, propulsion, or aviation tech gives you an edge. They really value hands-on work with technical projects and solid problem-solving skills.
Some jobs need security clearances because of the sensitive tech involved. Safety certifications and knowing FAA rules can make your application stand out for certain positions.
Virgin Galactic runs internship programs for students studying aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and other technical fields. Interns get to see commercial spaceflight development up close.
Interns usually work on specific projects with engineering teams. You might help build real spacecraft components or systems for suborbital flights.
The company posts internship openings on university career centers and their website. Apply early—these spots fill up fast every cycle.
Virgin Galactic’s hiring process includes several interview rounds with technical and behavioral questions. First, you’ll probably have a phone or video interview with a hiring manager.
Technical candidates get engineering problem-solving exercises and questions about spacecraft systems. Depending on the role, the process can take a few weeks from application to decision.
Final rounds usually involve team members and leadership. Most positions require background checks and reference verification.
Virgin Galactic actively hires aerospace engineers for areas like propulsion systems, vehicle structures, and flight test operations. These engineers work hands-on with spacecraft development and testing.
They need people with experience in rocket propulsion, composite materials, and flight dynamics. Engineers help with both current spacecraft and future vehicle programs.
You’ll find opportunities for many engineering specialties. Roles range from entry-level to senior leadership, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Virgin Galactic offers real paths for career advancement. You can dive deep into technical specialization or, if that’s not your thing, develop your leadership skills.
Engineers often move up to senior technical roles. Some decide to make the jump into project management.
As the company keeps growing in commercial spaceflight, new doors keep opening. People here get hands-on experience in an industry that’s still just taking off.
You might end up working across different spacecraft programs or with new technologies. That kind of exposure builds a mix of skills that really stands out in the space industry.
