Frequently Asked Questions about Virgin Galactic Careers

To be eligible for a job at Virgin Galactic, you will need to meet the qualifications for the specific role you are applying for. You may need a high school diploma or an equivalent, depending on the position. You may also need a degree in a relevant field, such as aviation, aerospace engineering, or space studies. Additionally, you may need to have a minimum number of years of experience in the relevant industry. It is also important to have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Virgin Galactic employees receive a comprehensive package of benefits, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation and sick leave, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and an employee recognition program. Additionally, employees may take advantage of discounted Virgin Galactic flights, discounts on Virgin products, and discounts at select retailers through the company's lifestyle benefits program.

Virgin Galactic employees receive comprehensive training, including flight simulation, classroom training and practical experience. Training is tailored to the individual employee's role and responsibilities and includes safety, operational and technical training. Training is conducted in-house by experienced instructors or at external training facilities.

No, you do not need to have a degree to work at Virgin Galactic. However, you will need to have the relevant skills and experience for the position you are applying for.

At Virgin Galactic, career paths are available in a variety of areas, including flight operations, engineering, mission assurance, spaceflight safety, customer experience, business development, marketing, finance, communications, and human resources. Additionally, there are opportunities to join the team as an astronaut, mission specialist, mission controller, or field engineer.

Virgin Galactic offers a variety of roles within its organization. These roles include astronaut pilots and mission specialists, spacecraft engineers, propulsion system engineers, flight test engineers, flight software and avionics engineers, mission design engineers, and mission operations engineers. Additionally, there are roles in marketing and communications, customer experience, finance and accounting, human resources, legal and policy, and more.

Yes, there are specific requirements for a job at Virgin Galactic, depending on the position. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of two years of relevant experience and/or education, although some positions require additional qualifications or certifications. They must also be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, if necessary. In addition, candidates must pass a background check, a drug test, and a physical exam.

No, you do not need to have experience in the aerospace industry to work at Virgin Galactic. However, knowledge of the aerospace industry may be beneficial.

The application process for a job at Virgin Galactic typically begins with submitting an online job application form. You may also be asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and other pertinent documents. After submission, your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to participate in a series of interviews. Depending on the position, this could include individual interviews, group interviews, and/or assessments. Following the interview process, you may be asked to complete a background check and drug screening. If successful, you will receive a job offer and will be asked to sign an employment agreement.

Virgin Galactic looks for potential employees who are passionate about space exploration and the commercial space industry, have a strong customer service focus, and have excellent technical, operational, and communication skills. They also look for people with a background in aerospace engineering, physics, or other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, as well as those with experience in aviation and/or astronautics. Additionally, Virgin Galactic seeks applicants who are open to working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and are willing to take on challenging roles.

Salaries at Virgin Galactic vary depending on the position and the area in which you are located. For example, a Flight Test Engineer based in Mojave, California can earn a median salary of $90,000 per year. Other positions such as Astronaut Instructor and Mission Operations Manager have salaries ranging from $100,000 - $200,000 annually.

The hiring process for a job at Virgin Galactic may vary depending on the position and the candidate's qualifications. Typically, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Virgin Galactic offers a range of opportunities for career growth, from entry-level positions to advanced and managerial roles. Employees can move up the ranks through promotions and lateral moves and can even work on projects outside their comfort zone. The company also provides employees with opportunities for professional development and offers mentorship programs to help them reach their goals. In addition, Virgin Galactic offers tuition reimbursement for those who wish to pursue higher education.

Virgin Galactic provides a collaborative and supportive work environment. Employees are encouraged to think outside the box and contribute to the company in a meaningful way. There is an emphasis on innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and the company supports employees in their professional growth. The culture is open and inclusive, and team members are encouraged to share their ideas, insights, and experiences. Virgin Galactic also provides a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salaries.

Yes, Virgin Galactic offers internships for students who are interested in aerospace engineering and other related fields. Interested students can apply online at https://www.virgingalactic.com/careers/.

Virgin Galactic uses cutting-edge technologies such as advanced propulsion systems, advanced aerodynamics and composite materials to enable its spaceflight vehicles to reach space. The company also utilizes advanced software and hardware systems, as well as sophisticated control systems, to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Yes, Virgin Galactic offers remote work opportunities for many of its positions.

Virgin Galactic requires its employees to be able to travel internationally as needed. The majority of the travel would be to its Spaceport America facilities in New Mexico, USA, and to its international partners in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

The best way to know if a job at Virgin Galactic is right for you is to research the company and the specific job opportunities that are available. You should look at the job requirements and responsibilities, the company culture and values, and the working environment. You should also speak with current employees and alumni of the company to get a better understanding of the job and the company. Additionally, if you have the opportunity to speak with a hiring manager or recruiter, you should ask questions about the specific job to see if it is a good fit for your skills and interests.

Virgin Galactic employees have access to a variety of team-building events and activities, including team-building challenges, hackathons, and leadership workshops. They also have access to social events such as movie nights and company sports outings, as well as exclusive discounts on Virgin Galactic experiences like spaceflight or supersonic flight.