Assistant Crew Chief

Your Mission at Virgin Galactic

We are looking for an experienced leader to support our growing team to ensure the successful development and transition of our VSS Imagine Spaceship into commercial service.  As the Program Manager of our Airframe Integrated Product Team (IPT), you will be responsible for leading our team to develop, analyze, test, deliver, and support the composite airframe and mechanical subsystems as the new product enters commercial service. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Airframe Integrated Product Team to deliver products that achieve technical, cost, and schedule objectives


• Overall responsibility for the design, development, integration, testing and successful delivery of the composite airframe and mechanical subsystems.  Mechanical subsystems include but are not limited to: Landing Gear/Brakes, Pneumatics, Flight Controls and the Feather system.


• Ensure horizontal and vertical integration of best engineering practices across the company.


• Collaborate with other organizations across the company (Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Business/Cost Management, Quality, etc) as required to ensure execution of program statement of work.


• Develop and maintain a detailed program plan for the Airframe IPT


• Develop and lead Risk, Issue and Opportunity Management for the Airframe IPT


• Support the successful development and deployment of program processes that help the team follow Program Management best practices


• Report program status and progress against goals as required to internal and external customers


• This position reports to the Program Director for the VSS Imagine Spaceship.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Intellectual curiosity and passion for the Virgin Galactic mission of connecting people through spaceflight


• Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering or technical discipline from an accredited university


• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in progressive technical and leadership roles


• Experience developing airframe structure from requirements/concept through delivery on multiple projects/programs


• Leadership experience on aerospace product development teams in a collaborative, fast paced environment


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail


• Collaborative team player with excellent written and interpersonal communication skills


• Proficiency with MS Office


• Proficiency with Program Management tools and processes for Schedule development/tracking, Risk/Opportunity Management, Configuration and Requirements Management.


• Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)

Experience or Expertise in any of these areas a plus:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification


• Master’s Degree


• Primavera (P6)


• Six Sigma Training and/or Certification


• Aircraft Subsystems Engineering (Landing Gear/Brakes, Pneumatics, Flight Controls)


• Composite airframe structural engineering


• Aircraft Mass Properties Management


• Guidance, Navigation & Control


• Aircraft (Aerodynamic) Performance Analysis


• Flutter Analysis

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $72,800.00–$107,120.00. 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 transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. 

ITAR Requirements 

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

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, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

COVID 

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as newly hired employees. As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, (“fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer) or have a valid religious or medical exemption.  If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met be your date of hire.  Virgin Galactic complies with federal, state, and local laws with regard to accommodations related to this policy.