Lead Flight Test Engineer: Ground & Flight Missions

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in California seeks a Sr. Flight Test Engineer to lead ground and flight test activities, turn requirements into test procedures, and coordinate with engineering and program managers.

You will develop test plans, monitor configurations, and support TRRs/FRRs while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Requirements include an engineering degree and 8 years of flight test experience, plus ability to travel up to 50-70% and be on-site in Tustin four days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably aerospace.
• Minimum 8 years flight test experience.
• Strong knowledge of aeroelastic flutter and fly-by-wire controls.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground and flight test activities for programs.
• Develop and gather test requirements from engineering.
• Translate requirements into test configs, procedures and maneuvers.
• Develop test plans and schedules with engineers and PMs.
• Coordinate test schedules with maintenance, engineering, and flight ops.
• Define display requirements and monitor test configurations.
• Support TRRs, TSRBs, FRRs and major program milestones.
• Conduct tests and provide daily progress reports.
• Update flight logs, test docs, and write results.
• Maintain safety focus and proper PPE/hazard handling.
• Be on-site in Tustin four days/week; travel up to 50-70%.

Skills

Test planning

Flight test execution

Test requirements

FAA medical certificate

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

On-site coordination

Education

Engineering degree

Aerospace preferred

Job description

Virgin Galactic in California seeks a Sr. Flight Test Engineer to lead ground and flight test activities, turn requirements into test procedures, and coordinate with engineering and program managers.

You will develop test plans, monitor configurations, and support TRRs/FRRs while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Requirements include an engineering degree and 8 years of flight test experience, plus ability to travel up to 50-70% and be on-site in Tustin four days per week.