Medical Director - Flight Surgeon

Valor Healthcare Inc; California; On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Valor Healthcare Inc in California seeks a Medical Director - Flight Surgeon to support NASA Occupational Health Services. This role combines clinical work with aerospace medicine, ensuring the health and readiness of personnel involved in cutting-edge space missions.

The ideal candidate will hold an MD or DO and possess board certification in Aerospace Medicine. Experience in emergency medicine is essential. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to human space exploration while developing your career in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Valid California Medical License.
• FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner designation.
• Completion of NIOSH Spirometry Course.

Responsibilities

• Perform NASA aviation medical examinations.
• Develop health plans for spaceflight demands.
• Manage medical emergencies and trauma care.

Skills

Expert medical evaluations

Emergency medicine

Aerospace medicine

Patient assessment

Education

MD or DO from an accredited institution

Board certification in Aerospace Medicine

Tools

Electronic Health Record systems (Epic)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Job description

About Valor Healthcare

Valor Healthcare is a veteran- and physician-led provider of healthcare services for deserving, resilient patriots – including those who serve or have served in the military as well as those who devote their careers to government service. We aim to deliver high-quality care in a way that upholds the health of our nation’s greatest asset: its people. Valor works hard to earn the trust of those who have faith in us to care for them with respect and through methods that lead to superior clinical outcomes.

Valor is different because of our people.

• Our leadership team is comprised of veterans, clinicians, and business leaders dedicated to providing exceptional care and world-class patient experience.
• Many of our colleagues have patriots in their families or are patriots themselves, building a company culture and commitment to customer service that is second to none.

Position Summary

Join a dynamic team as a Medical Director -Flight Surgeon working at NASA Occupational Health Services (OHS). This role supports daily operations, dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and operational readiness of aerospace personnel. This vital role combines clinical expertise with aerospace medicine, supporting human spaceflight missions through comprehensive medical oversight, risk management, and health promotion. Be part of an innovative environment where your medical skills propel human exploration beyond Earth’s bounds. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge space missions while advancing your career in aerospace medicine.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide expert medical evaluations aviation medical examinations including NASA First, Second, and Third Class Aviation Medical Exams, FAA First, Second, and Third Class medical certification exams (i.e. must be a FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner), and NASA Qualified Non‑crewmember certification, in addition to other duties consistent with required qualifications for the doctor (MD or DO) position.
• Develop and implement health and wellness plans tailored to the unique demands of spaceflight environments.
• Manage medical emergencies using advanced airway management, trauma care, and acute pain management techniques.
• Oversee the use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems such as Epic to document patient data accurately and securely, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Conduct clinical research related to aerospace medicine, including studies on physiology knowledge, radiation therapy effects, and neurocritical care.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams on discharge planning, post‑acute care, and rehabilitation strategies for astronauts returning from missions.
• Support telehealth initiatives for remote medical consultations and triage during space missions or ground operations.

Qualifications

• MD (Doctor in Medicine) or DO (Doctor in Osteopathy) State of California Medical License verified by the Medical Board of California.
• Medical degree (MD or DO) with board certification in Aerospace Medicine or related specialty such as Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, or Family Medicine.
• Federal Aviation Administration Senior Aviation Medical Examiner designation.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Basic Life Support (Provider), certified by the American Heart Association.
• Certified by the CAOHC (Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation).
• Completion of the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Heath) Spirometry Course.
• Certified, and Registered as an FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Medical Examiner.
• Extensive experience in hospital or inpatient settings, demonstrating proficiency in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, and medical records management.
• Proven expertise with EMR systems like Epic or similar platforms; familiarity with CPT coding and ICD coding is preferred.
• Critical care experience including neurocritical care, trauma medicine, or ICU experience is highly desirable.
• Hands‑on skills in airway management, suturing, IV infusion, and wound care are essential.
• Knowledge of physiology principles relevant to aerospace environments such as cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, immunology, and sleep medicine is advantageous.

Join us to advance human space exploration through exceptional medical expertise! Your dedication will help safeguard the health of astronauts venturing into the cosmos while enriching your professional journey in a fast‑paced aerospace setting.

Final compensation will be based on relevant factors including work experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.