Michael J. MansucciVirgin Galactic
Friday, November 14th, 2025, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Jett Hall, room 109
Title: Leadership in Engineering, an Aerospace Industry Case Study
ABSTRACT: There are many different definitions and applications for engineering level of responsibility and opportunity for leadership. The Aerospace industry presents young engineers with many environments that can lead to leadership and teamwork successes. Young engineer should challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zone and expand their exposure. This includes learning how to build it, maintain it, and operate it. Engineers can branch into many different aspects of a company, especially in aerospace. There is no better principle for guiding an engineer than “Keep it Simple”. If you can achieve mission success with minimal impacts on the larger program, do it. Rapid prototyping and development of items in-house has major schedule and resource advantages. Anytime you can keep work internal to your company and keep a schedule and cost advantage, do it. Lastly, a very experienced test team widely integrated within the company is crucial for success of a cutting
BIO: Michael “Sooch” Masucci joined Virgin Galactic in 2013 as the Lead Pilot Trainer. He reached space for the first time in February of 2019 aboard VSS Unity becoming commercial astronaut #6 and the 570th person in space. He has flown into space six times. Prior to joining Virgin, he was a Check Airman and Captain flying the Citation X at XOJET. Sooch is a retired US Air Force Command Pilot who flew U-2s, F-16s, and T-38s in various training, test, and operational positions for over 23 years, including multiple commands. Mike received his Bachelor of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fresno.
Sooch has been flying since 1982 and has flown over 80 types of airplanes and gliders. He has over 11,000 flying hours of total experience and is an FAA certified flight instructor and Airline Transport Pilot. He is an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Mike is also an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and Special Aircraft Examiner
