Manager, Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering Manager

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead the team responsible for designing, developing, and verifying our groundbreaking spaceflight systems. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design and assembly efforts. This role combines technical leadership with people management—driving engineering excellence while developing and supporting a team of talented systems engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing systems engineering team.
• Drive requirements management: capture, decomposition, allocation, traceability, and change control from concept through verification.
• Oversee system architecture definition, modeling, and interface control to ensure seamless integration across subsystems.
• Manage verification and validation planning, execution, and documentation in compliance with aerospace standards.
• Ensure rigorous configuration management, documentation control, and compliance with certification and regulatory requirements.
• Apply quality engineering practices, including defect tracking, root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and lessons learned.
• Guide risk management, trade studies, and technical decision-making to optimize safety, reliability, and performance.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace systems engineering processes (V-model, DO-178/DO-254, ARP4754A) and support major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Define vision, goals, and expectations while fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented culture.
• Ensure quality and integrity of engineering deliverables across the system lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Technical Leadership.
• Manage staffing, budgets, schedules, and project plans.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelors in STEM and 10+ years of systems engineering experience.
• Strong background in requirements definition, integration, and verification for aerospace systems (avionics, structures, mechanical, electrical, or interiors).
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes (V-diagram), requirements management tools, and milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Proven leadership skills: team motivation, conflict resolution, mentoring, and leading through change.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in Systems Engineering.
• Experience with DOORS, CAMEO, ENOVIA, SysML, MBSE, or similar tools.
• INCOSE CSEP certification.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality and certification standards (AS9100, DO-178/254, ARP4754A, etc.).
• Strong systems architecting skills and big-picture mindset.
• Positive, proactive, and adaptable in dynamic environments.
• Commitment to mentoring and challenging the status quo.