Senior Flight Test Engineer: Lead Ground & Flight Tests

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

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Sr. Flight Test Engineer to lead ground and flight test activities, ensuring mission requirements are met with safety, budget, and schedule integrity.

You will develop test methods, coordinate with engineering and management, and report on test campaigns for flight test vehicles. The role requires 8+ years of flight test experience, a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, and the ability to travel up to 50–70% to Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably aerospace.
• 8 years of flight test experience.
• Understanding of aeroelastic flutter, fly-by-wire controls, handling qualities, and mechanical systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks in a complex product development environment.
• Experience working in a control room environment.
• FAA Second-Class medical certificate required.
• Must be onsite in Tustin, CA four days a week with travel to NM and Spaceport America up to 50-70% in 2026-2027.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground test and flight test activities.
• Gather and develop test requirements from engineering disciplines.
• Develop test plans and schedules with engineers and program managers.
• Coordinate test schedules with Maintenance, Engineering, and Flight Operations.
• Write test reports and maintain flight logs.

Skills

Flight test coordination

Communication skills

Aviation safety

Control room operations

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Sr. Flight Test Engineer to lead ground and flight test activities, ensuring mission requirements are met with safety, budget, and schedule integrity.

You will develop test methods, coordinate with engineering and management, and report on test campaigns for flight test vehicles. The role requires 8+ years of flight test experience, a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, and the ability to travel up to 50–70% to Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America in