Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced systems engineer capable of leading the systems engineering team responsible for the design/development and verification of our innovative and unique space flight systems. The Senior Manager of Systems Engineering will enable, support, and develop the performance and capabilities of a large team of talented systems engineers comprised of discipline professionals with expertise in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), systems architecting, requirement definition, development and management and systems verification and validation. They will set and clearly communicate organizational vision, expectations, and objectives while developing and growing our capabilities in this discipline. Our unique flight vehicles are critical components in allowing us to deliver a groundbreaking customer experience that includes compelling views of the earth from space, and a one-of-a-kind apogee experience that our customers will never forget.

Our goal is to deliver a transformative experience that changes the way people look at the planet and their place in it.

• Organize and facilitate the personal career development of team members.
• Ensure team members are prepared with the training and skills to be successful within their teams and to the projects they support.
• Create and execute organizational training plans.
• Partner with Human Resources to promote a people first culture and resolve all personnel related matters in a timely fashion.
• Foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity, sharing, out-of-the-box thinking and seeing the big-picture.
• Ensure the integrity of engineering activity within engineering teams by employing both quantitative and qualitative management approaches.
• Collect and use data to make data-driven decisions that drive team member productivity and growth.
• Actively monitor staffing demand and take proactive action to ensure project hiring needs are met.
• Champion continuous improvement activities. Identify opportunities to employ tools, training, and practices that increase team efficiency and quality year after year.
• Champion the automation of manual processes in the spirit of Digital Transformation thru development of standard design and engineering methods.
• Establish and coordinate processes, plans, and procedures necessary to provide timely, accurate, and focused engineering substantiation.
• Promote the continual identification and active management of teams risks and opportunities. Actively monitor performance of team members and provide timely feedback. Engage to facilitate corrective action, as required to ensure individual oversight and development.
• Identify and manage cross-program opportunities by coordinating with Chief Engineering, Program Management and Vehicle Design Leadership.
• Ensure the quality and compliance of cost estimates generated from within your organization.
• Cultivate a fun, exciting and innovative culture that celebrates engineering and our engineers.
• Lead the team to deliver positive experiences that shape employee and leader beliefs.
• Recognize and reward behaviors and actions that lead to positive business results.
• Execute other duties as required to support company and program objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 10 years of relevant experience related to systems engineering.
• Ability to provide technical communication and coordination with senior leadership and program management.
• Experience with requirements definition, specifications, integration and verification of avionics, aircraft mechanical systems, interior design, electrical systems and structures.
• Experience with MBSE, CAMEO, ENOVIA or a similar model base system engineering tool and requirements management database system.
• Understanding of systems engineering processes and practices (V diagram)
• Experience leading systems engineering teams through milestone program reviews (SRR, CoDR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
• Proven ability to motivate and inspire teams through challenging times.
• Experience moderating difficult situations and conflict resolution.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing the critical skills of others.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed / virtual teams.
• Experience leading a team through change.
• Ability to build effective relationships inside and outside your direct department.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision, adaptable to changing environments and handle multiple tasks and/or projects simultaneously.
• Encourages other employees to do the same and leads by exemplary service.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advance knowledge working with CAMEO, ENOVIA, SYSML, DoDAF, etc. or any type of requirements management database tool.
• Advance knowledge with requirements management, development, analysis and verification process.
• Experience with system architecting
• Advanced degree in systems engineering
• Big picture oriented, end to-end and concept-to operations thinker.
• Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight.
• May possess a CSEP certification from INCOSE.
• Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills.
• Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community.
• Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment.
• Desire and ability to mentor others.
• Desire to question the status quo.

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $118,000$160,400. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanitys relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether its supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious – one capable of redefining the boundaries of whats possible.

Export Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement

Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.