Lead Data Center Engineer

Job Description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Lead Data Center Engineer to oversee data processing operations and manage data center environments supporting aerospace testing and post-flight data analysis. This role combines infrastructure leadership, data engineering, and aerospace systems expertise, making it ideal for candidates with strong technical depth and leadership experience in mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day data center operations to maximize system availability, performance, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with systems engineers on design modifications and system improvements.
• Oversee post-flight data processing, including recovery, computation, visualization, and analysis.
• Develop and maintain system health monitoring and reliability metrics.
• Manage data center documentation, security policies, backup procedures, and standards.
• Control physical access to data centers and rack infrastructure.
• Manage and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and service requests.
• Liaise between technical teams, users, and operations staff to resolve issues.
• Track installations, removals, and accountability of hardware and software assets.
• Mentor engineers in data processing, analysis, and operational best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of aerospace or space industry experience.
• Experience with databases (MongoDB or SQL) and data interfaces (1–3 years).
• Programming experience in Python and MATLAB.
• Knowledge of instrumentation systems, data acquisition, and signal processing.
• Familiarity with bus protocols, acceptance testing procedures, and enterprise Windows environments.
• Understanding of IADS, IRIG Chapter 10, TMATS, GPS/IRIG time standards, and recording systems.
• Experience with aircraft or space systems engineering projects and aerospace standards (FAA, FAA-AST).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Flight test engineering or ground/flight test control room operations.
• Experience supporting new aircraft or space system testing programs.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $108,871 – $166,036 annually (U.S. base salary).
• Additional compensation may include bonuses, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits (medical, financial, and more).

About the Company

Virgin Galactic is a pioneering aerospace company focused on commercial human spaceflight, developing advanced air and space vehicles to make space accessible for private individuals and researchers. The organization operates at the forefront of innovation in aerospace technology and testing.

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