Flight Coordinator, Airspace

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Airspace Flight Coordinator. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design and assembly efforts.

In this role, you will be based at The Gateway to Space facility, Spaceport America, New Mexico, and will be part of Mission Integration Team, under the Mission Management group. The successful candidate is a skillful coordinator that is detail oriented and familiar with the various factors and considerations involved in the coordination of planning, preparation and operation of air vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Airspace Coordination
• Plan and coordinate personnel, vehicles, events, and schedules involved in flight readiness and operations, encompassing pilot training on general aviation aircraft to full-scale Space Flight Missions.
• Schedule and position flight crews, passengers, and cargo efficiently.
• Forecast and mitigate maintenance downtimes to ensure operational continuity.
• Submit Airspace Requests and fulfill associated requirements, including telemetry or weather balloons.
• Publish mission codes and establish airspace timing protocols.
• Act as a liaison with external agencies, including the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) and FAA offices, to maintain awareness of airfield and airspace operations, including issuing Notices to Airmen and Mariners (NOTAMs).
• Communicate effectively and transparently regarding current and future operational scenarios.
• Support Aircraft Flight Operations Management, which may involve:
• Monitoring pilot currency and readiness requirements.
• Tracking aircraft flights to ensure data accuracy.
• Providing retrospective and other flight readiness briefing materials.’

• Spaceflight Mission Activities
• Develop and coordinate timelines for milestone events, vehicle movements, and other critical activities.
• Monitor the progress of pre-flight activities.
• Collaborate with maintenance, flight operations, and relevant stakeholders as necessary.
• Support Mission Control operations within the Mission Support role, which may require early starts on Space Mission days.
  

Required Skills And Experience

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience is required.
• A minimum of five years of flight operations planning and coordination experience, specifically within Aircrew, Flight Operations Support, or Air Traffic Control roles.
• Proven experience working and coordinating with government representatives, senior executives, and external stakeholders, including VIPs is required.
• Experience in flight test operations and familiarity with ITAR requirements.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Working knowledge of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) operations and airspace booking procedures.
• Solid understanding of aviation meteorology, with the ability to interpret TAFs, METARs, and other NOAA and commercial meteorological products for mission-related weather decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and project management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team and maintain strong working relationships in a high-pressure environment.
• Flexibility to work outside of standard working hours as required.
  
  

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $79,300.00–$121,000.00. 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.