Sr. Flight Planner, Airspace

Virgin Galactic • Truth or Consequences, NM

10d • $99,700 - $152,075 • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Sr. Airspace Flight Planner to join its Mission Integration Team within the Mission Management group. The role is based at The Gateway to Space facility at Spaceport America, New Mexico. The successful candidate will plan and coordinate airspace and flight operations, supporting activities ranging from general aviation pilot training to full-scale spaceflight missions, while prioritizing safety and operational readiness.

The position coordinates flight crews, passengers, cargo, vehicles, events, schedules, airspace requests, external agencies, weather assessments, and mission readiness activities. It also supports aircraft flight operations management and Mission Control Center operations, including work that may require early starts on space mission days. The role requires flexibility to work outside standard hours as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience.
• At least eight years of experience in a related field.
• At least five years of flight operations planning and coordination experience, specifically in Aircrew, Flight Operations Support, or Air Traffic Control roles.
• Proven experience coordinating and working with government representatives, senior executives, and external stakeholders, including VIPs.
• Experience in flight test operations and familiarity with ITAR requirements.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of White Sands Missile Range operations and airspace booking procedures.
• Solid understanding of aviation meteorology and ability to interpret TAFs, METARs, and other NOAA and commercial meteorological products for mission-related weather decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and project management capabilities.
• Ability to function effectively as part of a team and maintain strong working relationships in a high-pressure environment.
• Flexibility to work outside standard working hours as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and direct teammates, vehicles, events, and schedules related to flight readiness and operations, from general aviation pilot training to full-scale spaceflight missions.
• Schedule and position flight crews, passengers, and cargo safely and efficiently.
• Forecast and mitigate maintenance downtime to ensure operational continuity.
• Manage airspace requests and submissions to the FAA and relevant military entities, including associated requirements such as telemetry or weather balloons.
• Publish mission codes and establish airspace timing protocols.
• Liaise with external agencies, including the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, FAA offices, and weather services, to maintain awareness of airfield and airspace operations, including issuing NOTAMs.
• Communicate clearly and transparently about current and future operational scenarios.
• Support aircraft flight operations management, including monitoring pilot currency and readiness requirements, tracking aircraft flights for data accuracy, and providing retrospective and other flight-readiness briefing materials.
• Develop and coordinate timelines for milestone events, vehicle movements, and other critical activities.
• Coordinate with meteorologists to understand weather patterns and their potential effects on flight conditions.
• Manage overnight weather go/no-go criteria decisions and act as the spaceship tanking management representative.
• Work with the VMS pilot in command to manage weather assessment criteria.
• Monitor pre-flight activities and communicate mission-critical updates to maintenance, flight operations, and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide clear flight-readiness plans and guidance, including creating and managing inputs to Pre Mission Readiness Reviews.
• Prioritize work deliverables according to the flight schedule, operational goals, and safety requirements.
• Support Mission Control operations in the Mission Control Center by operating the Support console; this may require early starts on space mission days.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, depending on the position offered.
• Other forms of pay, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior