Sr. Flight Planner, Airspace
This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.
About the role
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Sr. Airspace Flight Planner. 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.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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 planner that is detail oriented and familiar with the various factors and considerations involved in the management of planning, preparation and operation of air vehicles.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Planning Activities</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Lead the planning and directing of teammates, vehicles, events, and scheduling involving flight readiness and operations, encompassing pilot training on general aviation aircraft to full-scale Space Flight Missions</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Schedule and position flight crews, passengers, and cargo safely and efficiently</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Forecast and mitigate maintenance downtimes to ensure operational continuity</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Manage Airspace requests and submissions to FAA and relevant military entities and fulfill associated requirements such as telemetry or weather balloons</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Publish mission codes and establish airspace timing protocols</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Act as a liaison with external agencies, including the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA), FAA offices, and weather services to maintain awareness of airfield and airspace operations, including issuing Notices to Airmen and Mariners (NOTAMs)</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Communicate effectively and transparently regarding current and future operational scenarios</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support Aircraft Flight Operations Management, which may involve:</span></li></ul><ul><li style="list-style-type: none; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><ul style="list-style-type: circle;"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Monitoring pilot currency and readiness requirements</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracking aircraft flights to ensure data accuracy</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Providing retrospective and other flight readiness briefing materials</span></li></ul></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Spaceflight Mission Activities</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop and coordinate timelines for milestone events, vehicle movements, and other critical activities</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Coordinate with meteorologists to understand weather patterns and the effect they may have on flight conditions</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Manage the overnight weather go/no-go criteria decisions and act as the spaceship tanking management representative</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Work in conjunction with VMS pilot in command regarding the management of weather assessment criteria.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Monitor the progress of pre-flight activities and communicate mission critical updates to maintenance, flight operations, and relevant stakeholders as necessary</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Responsible for providing a clear plan of action and guidance on flight readiness including creating and managing inputs into the Pre Mission Readiness Reviews</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ensure work deliverables are prioritized based on flight schedule, operational goals, and safety requirements</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support Mission Control operations within the Mission Control Center operating the Support console, which may require early starts on Space Mission days</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience is required</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Minimum of Eight (8) plus years of experience in a related field with a minimum of five years of flight operations planning and coordination experience, specifically within Aircrew, Flight Operations Support, or Air Traffic Control roles</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Proven experience working and coordinating with government representatives, senior executives, and external stakeholders, including VIPs is required</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience in flight test operations and familiarity with ITAR requirements</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></span></p><ul type="disc"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Working knowledge of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) operations and airspace booking procedures</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and keen attention to detail</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent interpersonal skills and project management capabilities</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team and maintain strong working relationships in a high-pressure environment</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Flexibility to work outside of standard working hours as required</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">#LI-JR1</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $99,700.00–$152,075.00. 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 <a title="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits" href="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits">https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Who We Are</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">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</span><span style="color:#000099">.</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Export Requirements </span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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 <strong><u><a href="https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fofac.treasury.gov%2Fspecially-designated-nationals-list-data-formats-data-schemas&data=05%7C01%7CSandi.Kosaka%40virgingalactic.com%7C5c47d814f3664ac6bb2a08dbc1063575%7Ca9008a03b053484687d345880ffa31a1%7C0%7C0%7C638316004624246835%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=px2%2BAC1K7DW630GR8Iqm8cc2OQohKudkYOGJrZ%2FqKVw%3D&reserved=0">here</a></u></strong>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">EEO Statement</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Drug Free Workplace</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Phoenix Employment Requirements</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Accommodation Requests</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: <strong><a title="" href="mailto:VGTalent@virgingalactic.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VGTalent@virgingalactic.com</a> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Mandatory Notices</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hc" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights">Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6he" title="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/e-verify_participation_poster_eng_es.pdf" href="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf">E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hg" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act">Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hi" title="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_eeoc_knowyourrights6.12screenrdr.pdf" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal">Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal</a> </span></p>
Copied from the listing Virgin Galactic published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
About Virgin Galactic
Winged spaceships that carry people to the edge of space.
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