Medical Director - Flight Surgeon

Valor Healthcare, Inc.; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Valor Healthcare, Inc. is seeking a Medical Director - Flight Surgeon to join NASA Occupational Health Services, combining clinical aerospace medicine with leadership to safeguard astronaut health and mission readiness.

Required are CA MD/DO licensure, board certification in Aerospace Medicine or related fields, FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner designation, and Epic EMR experience; strong trauma and critical care background is preferred.

Qualifications

• MD or DO licensed in California with active board certification in Aerospace Medicine or related specialty.
• FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner designation.
• FMCSA Medical Examiner certification.
• Extensive experience in hospital/inpatient settings with critical care/trauma.
• Proficiency with EMR systems like Epic and CPT/ICD coding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert medical evaluations and aviation medical exams (NASA First–Third Class, FAA Senior Examiner).
• Develop and implement health and wellness plans for spaceflight environments.
• Manage medical emergencies with advanced airway management and trauma care.
• Oversee EHR documentation and HIPAA compliance (Epic).
• Conduct aerospace medicine clinical research related to physiology, radiation effects, and neurocritical care.
• Coordinate discharge planning and rehabilitation for astronauts returning from missions.
• Support telehealth initiatives for remote medical triage and consultations.

Skills

Aerospace Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Critical Care

Trauma Care

Telehealth

HIPAA Compliance

Education

MD or DO

California Medical License

Board Certification in Aerospace Medicine

FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner

FMCSA Medical Examiner

Tools

Epic EMR

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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