20 Virgin Galactic Interview Questions and Answers

Aspiring astronauts, rejoice! You may soon be able to book a ticket to space with Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline. But before you can blast off, you’ll need to ace an interview with the company.

Virgin Galactic is looking for the best and the brightest to join their team, so you can expect the interview process to be competitive. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of the most common Virgin Galactic interview questions and how to answer them.

Virgin Galactic Interview Process

The interview process at Virgin Galactic can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen and one in-person interview. The difficulty of the interviews will depend on the position you are applying for. For example, engineering positions may require you to answer technical questions, while business support positions may focus more on your customer service skills. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with most candidates finding the interviewer panel to be friendly and professional.

1. What are your thoughts on the current state of space travel?

Virgin Galactic is a company that’s dedicated to space travel, so it’s important for the interviewer to know your thoughts on this topic. Your answer should show you’re passionate about space travel and have ideas for how to improve it.

Example: “I think space travel is an amazing thing. I’m excited to see what advancements we make in the future. I would love to see us develop faster spacecrafts that can take people to other planets. I also think we need to find more efficient ways of getting into orbit. It seems like there are many untapped resources when it comes to space travel.”

2. How do you think commercial space travel will impact our society in the next 5-10 years?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it to Virgin Galactic. Your answer should include examples of how space travel has already impacted society, as well as how you think it will in the future.

Example: “I believe that commercial space travel will have a huge impact on our society in the next 5-10 years. It’s already changing the way we view science education and exploration, which I think is incredibly important. In my last position, I worked with a non-profit organization that taught kids about space through virtual reality. This technology was developed by one of our clients, who also happens to be a client of yours. I think this is just the beginning of what we’ll see from space tourism.”

3. Can you give an example of a time when you were working with a team and one member was not pulling their weight, how did you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can motivate others. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the situation but also highlight what you did to resolve it.

Example: “In my last position as a project manager, I had a team member who was consistently late for meetings and sometimes missed them entirely. At first, I tried to give him some leeway because he seemed like a hard worker, however, after several weeks of his behavior, I sat down with him and explained that his attendance was affecting the entire team. He apologized and promised to do better. After that conversation, he started showing up on time and even helped other members when they were struggling.”

4. Do you have any experience developing spacecrafts?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience needed for this role. If you don’t have any experience developing spacecrafts, consider talking about other relevant work experiences.

Example: “I’ve never developed a spacecraft before, but I do have extensive knowledge of aerospace engineering. In my last position as an engineer at NASA, I worked on several projects including designing new space suits for astronauts and creating new propulsion systems for rockets.”

5. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for a spacecraft?

This question is an opportunity to show your technical skills and knowledge of the industry. Your answer should include a specific example of how you would design software for Virgin Galactic’s spacecrafts.

Example: “I have extensive experience in developing software for spacecrafts, including my current role as lead developer at Space Tech Company. In this position, I am responsible for designing software that monitors the health of the spacecraft and its systems. For instance, if there are any issues with the propulsion system or other components, the software will alert me so I can address it before it becomes a problem.”

6. Provide an example of a design project you have worked on.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can describe a project you worked on that required you to use your critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills.

Example: “In my last position as a spacecraft engineer, I was tasked with designing a new spaceship for Virgin Galactic. My team and I had to consider many factors when creating this design, including safety, cost and ease of manufacturing. We also needed to ensure the ship could withstand high temperatures during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. After several meetings and brainstorming sessions, we came up with a plan to create a lightweight spaceship using carbon fiber.”

7. Describe your experience with designing and testing mechanical components.

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. You can describe how you used your mechanical engineering knowledge to solve problems or create solutions for clients.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for designing and testing the components of a new product line. The company wanted to develop a more efficient way to transport goods from one place to another. My team and I worked together to design a system that would move products from one location to another using magnetic levitation technology. We tested our designs by creating prototypes and running tests on them.”

8. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its mission. It also allows you to discuss an area that may not be listed in the job description but that you feel passionate about.

Example: “I am most interested in propulsion systems, as I find them fascinating. The ability to create something that can propel a spacecraft into space is incredible. I have always been fascinated by how things work, so it’s exciting to see how engineering can make this happen.”

9. We want our engineers to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

Virgin Galactic wants to know that you can work independently and are comfortable with the type of environment they have. This is a great opportunity for you to show your confidence in your ability to succeed on your own.

Example: “I am very independent, so I think this would be a good fit for me. In my last position, I was often given projects without much direction from my manager. I prefer working independently because it allows me to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to find solutions to issues. It also helps me meet deadlines more efficiently.”

10. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

Virgin Galactic is a company that requires its employees to work in teams. The interviewer wants to know how you will interact with your team members and if you have any experience working on projects as part of a team. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are willing to collaborate with others and enjoy teamwork.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team members at least once per day when I am working on a project. This allows me to stay up-to-date on what everyone else is doing, ask questions and offer help where needed. In my last job, I was part of a team that worked on developing new marketing strategies for our clients. We would hold daily meetings to discuss our progress and share ideas.”

11. Virgin Galactic is a company that emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to be innovative. Use examples from your past experience of how you’ve been innovative and explain why innovation is important.

Example: “In my last job, I was tasked with creating a new marketing campaign for our company’s product. We had already done some advertising in newspapers and on television, but we wanted to try something different. So, I suggested we create an online ad campaign where we could reach more people at once. The company agreed, and we ended up getting more sales than ever before.”

12. Tell us why you want to work at Virgin Galactic.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. When you answer this question, it’s important to show that you’ve done some research on the organization and can explain why you’re excited to work there.

Example: “I want to work at Virgin Galactic because I’m passionate about space travel. I think it’s amazing that Sir Richard Branson has created an entire company dedicated to making space tourism possible. I also love how innovative Virgin Galactic is as a company. From what I’ve read, they are constantly finding new ways to improve their spacecrafts and make them safer for passengers.”

13. What skills would you bring to the job?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list out specific skills or experience that you have that would help you succeed in this position.

Example: “I believe my communication skills are one of my greatest strengths. I am able to clearly explain complex ideas to others and make sure everyone understands what’s going on. My ability to communicate effectively has helped me work with teams before, so I know I could use these skills to help Virgin Galactic create an effective team as well.”

14. Why should we hire you over anyone else?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any unique or specific skills you have that would help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I am an extremely hard worker who always strives to exceed expectations. I’m also very passionate about space travel and would love to work for a company like Virgin Galactic that’s making history. I think my passion and enthusiasm for this industry will make me a valuable asset to your team.”

15. Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you resolve it?

Virgin Galactic wants to know that you can work well with others and resolve conflicts. This question is an opportunity for you to show your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and conflict resolution skills.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to ignore her comments at first but eventually decided to talk to her about it. She apologized and promised not to be so harsh in the future. We also agreed to meet weekly to discuss our progress on projects and give each other feedback.”

16. What are your long term career goals?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and how they plan to achieve them. Virgin Galactic wants to know that you have a strong desire to work for their company, so it’s important to show your enthusiasm in your answer. You can also use this opportunity to explain any personal or professional goals you may have.

Example: “My long term goal is to become an astronaut. I’ve always been fascinated by space travel, and working at Virgin Galactic would be a dream come true. I’m sure there are many other employees who feel the same way, which makes me excited to join the team. I am committed to putting in my best effort every day to help make this company successful.”

17. Are you comfortable answering phone calls?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your communication skills. Virgin Galactic hires customer service representatives who are able to answer phone calls from customers and provide excellent customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you enjoy talking on the phone and interacting with people.

Example: “I love talking on the phone because I find it so much easier than emailing or messaging someone online. It’s also great to hear someone’s voice when they’re speaking to me. In my last job as a customer service representative, I answered phones all day long and found it quite easy. I’m confident in my ability to communicate clearly over the phone.”

18. Are you able to work well under pressure?

This question is a great way to determine how well you can perform in high-pressure situations. Virgin Galactic wants employees who are able to work under pressure and complete tasks efficiently. In your answer, explain that you have experience working under pressure and will be able to handle the job effectively.

Example: “I am very comfortable working under pressure. Throughout my career, I’ve had many projects where I needed to meet deadlines or produce quality work within a short period of time. I’m confident that I can do this for Virgin Galactic as well. If anything, I thrive on these types of challenges.”

19. What kind of computer programs are you proficient with?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of computer programs and how you can use them in the workplace. If you have experience with specific software, list it along with what you used it for.

Example: “I am proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk Inventor. I’ve worked extensively with these programs at my current job, where I’m responsible for creating 3D models and designing prototypes.”

20. What qualities make a great leader?

Virgin Galactic is a growing company that needs leaders to help guide the team. A hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would apply them in this role. When answering, think of qualities you have that make you an effective leader.

Example: “A great leader is someone who can motivate others to achieve their goals. I am someone who has always been able to inspire others with my words. In previous roles, I’ve helped coworkers overcome challenges and find solutions to problems. I feel like these skills are transferable to Virgin Galactic, where I could use my communication skills to help employees succeed.”