Astronaut Events & Experience Manager

Virgin Galactic is a pioneering aerospace and space travel company dedicated to making space travel accessible to private individuals and researchers through its advanced air and space vehicles. As an industry innovator, Virgin Galactic strives to lead human spaceflight efforts by delivering spaceflight experiences at an unprecedented frequency while continuously developing next-generation space vehicles. The company is committed to operational excellence, education, and fostering a strong astronaut community. Operating out of multiple facilities, including its headquarters in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Spaceport America, New Mexico, Virgin Galactic offers a dynamic, fast-paced work environment focused on cutting-edge space exploration and extraordinary customer experiences.

The role of Astronaut Event & Experience Manager is a key position within Virgin Galactic’s Astronaut Office & Experience team. Reporting directly to the Vice President of the Astronaut Office & Experience, this manager will be responsible for the end-to-end management and execution of facility-based activities and events for the Astronaut Community. The primary objective of the position is to design, coordinate, and deliver immersive, high-quality astronaut experiences that promote excitement, build confidence, and prepare participants for spaceflight. This role will emphasize hospitality and premium event management standards to ensure every interaction aligns with Virgin Galactic’s values and operational goals.

Based primarily out of Virgin Galactic’s Las Cruces office and Spaceport America, New Mexico, the role requires frequent travel to Phoenix, Arizona, and regular visits to other company locations to facilitate seamless coordination across teams and facilities. The manager will lead diverse event operations including planning, execution, and post-event reconciliation. Responsibilities include hosting and compering events, managing vendors and contracts, communicating effectively with attendees and stakeholders, overseeing budgets, and establishing consistent standards for all astronaut facility-based experiences.

This position demands a highly organized, detailed-oriented, and proactive professional capable of juggling multiple priorities in a fast-moving work environment. The Astronaut Event & Experience Manager must excel in relationship-building and demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset while managing logistical and operational complexities. Additional expectations include negotiating contracts, managing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing continuous improvement based on attendee feedback and experience analysis.

The role offers a full-time employment opportunity with an annual U.S. base salary range of $81,650 to $124,600, with variation depending on knowledge, skills, location, and experience. The compensation package may include additional bonuses, long-term incentives, and a competitive benefits offering. Virgin Galactic is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and fosters a drug-free workplace. Employment also requires compliance with U.S. government export regulations and may involve security clearance procedures for certain locations.

Overall, the Astronaut Event & Experience Manager position at Virgin Galactic offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of commercial human spaceflight, contributing directly to the mission of making space travel a reality. This role combines event management, hospitality, and aerospace innovation in a robust, challenging environment where strategic vision and hands-on execution go hand in hand to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for future astronauts.