Flight Surgeon

Provides medical support for Virgin Galactic’s space flight operations and assists in the provision of medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants. Guided by the value “Safety Above All,” this role proactively manages risks inherent in human spaceflight through daily actions. The Flight Surgeon will be integral in developing and revising medical standards, screening, medical risk assessment, and medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants before and after space flights, as well as assisting with Emergency Response planning and execution. This position also integrates with design and engineering teams, providing human systems requirement inputs and cabin occupancy & safety standards for current and future space flight systems.

Responsibilities

• Care for pilots and spaceflight participants pre- and post-flight
• Perform FAA AME examinations for pilots and assist in management of the Pilot Medical Program
• Enable and assist pilots to optimize their health and performance to thrive in air and space environments
• Participate in spaceflight participant (customer) readiness by performing medical assessments, risk determinations, and communication of medical risks to spaceflight participants and Virgin Galactic management
• Provide care or coordination of care for Virgin Galactic visitors (e.g., spaceflight participant friends & family, incentive flyers/guest riders) while on site and/or at Virgin Galactic facilities
• Provide oversight of contract providers employed during flight operations
• Provide oversight/training for aerospace medicine residents/medical students
• Engage in an active role supporting Emergency Response planning & execution
• Discover, prevent, mitigate, and manage various physiological responses that result from encountering dynamic environments (e.g., acceleration forces, microgravity)
• Develop, write, and edit medical standards and space system requirements
• Support Chief Medical Officer’s strategic planning & medical concept of operations development and implementation
• Participate in training of spaceflight participants, particularly regarding aeromedical aspects of suborbital spaceflight
• Support and participate in centrifuge training for pilots/spaceflight participants
• Support the Chief Medical Officer to implement the execution of a medical program in accordance with strategic plans
• Adhere to safety standards congruent with Virgin Galactic values & practices
• Train and certify as a medical console operator in the Mission Control Center
• Evaluate, assess, and communicate medical risks of planned research payloads
• Professionally represent Virgin Galactic at customer engagements, medical conferences, and industry events
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Requirements

• M.D. or D.O. degree from an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program of postgraduate training (and/or international equivalent)
• Completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in Aerospace Medicine (and/or international equivalent). Mayo Aerospace Medicine Fellowship also fulfills this requirement
• Board eligible in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)
• Prior experience working as an aerospace medicine specialist within the aerospace industry (e.g., military, NASA, commercial space industry)
• Eligibility and commitment to acquire New Mexico medical license
• Eligibility and commitment to acquire DEA certification (federal and New Mexico)
• Eligibility and commitment to obtain FAA Class 2 medical certification
• Commitment to relocate/reside within a 2-hour drive to Spaceport America, NM
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may result in irregular hours based on the flight schedule
• Experience in generating reports/communicating data regarding medical risk
• Ability to lead by example and think/plan strategically
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Willingness to commute to varied Virgin Galactic sites as required
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency/fellowship program of postgraduate specialty training (and/or international equivalent) in a primary care field of medicine (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine) to include associated board certification
• Current ABPM board certification in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)
• FAA Aviation Medical Examiner certification, Senior AME preferred
• Aeronautical rating of Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon, or Chief Flight Surgeon
• Willingness/physical ability to fly regularly in aerobatic aircraft/high G environment to observe/evaluate pilot performance
• Minimum 48 months of experience as a flight surgeon
• Space medicine operational support experience highly desired

Physical and Additional Requirements

• Must be able to travel/commute to multiple Virgin Galactic sites
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Must be physically able to handle items weighing up to 40 lbs
• Must be willing to pursue additional training and/or certifications

Pay

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $126,900.00–$203,075.00. The base pay 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.

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 by 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.