Lead Test Technician

Virgin Galactic has an exciting opportunity for a Test Technician in our Spaceship Propulsion team! The core responsibilities of the role include assigning tasks, as well as, lead a team of technicians to perform the following:

• Assist with development of systems and structures. 
• Responsible for accomplishing assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance and repair work on the rocket system test platform. 
• Checks, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, removes and installs all parts of vehicle, including propulsion systems, avionics equipment & instruments, fuel & pressurizing systems, and mechanical systems. 
• Performs machine tool work and/or composite repair work in connection with the above mechanic maintenance work. 
• Shall be required to complete and sign work records in connection with work performed.
• Inspects, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, assembles, removes, and installs all propulsion system components/assemblies, including avionics equipment & instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems
• Inspects parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish and approve own work. 
• Will be required to, but not limited to, working on base maintenance type workloads valid for the rocket systems test platform. 
• Ability to work in a Hazardous environment with High Energetic Materials with the highest level of safety standards is required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years line maintenance, fabrication experience and High School diploma or equivalent 
• Must be familiar with procedures applicable to the various phases of maintenance and a minimum of 3 years of experience. 
• Certifications or similar within aerospace, aviation or automotive. 
• Experience with avionics and electronics (to include wiring and build-up of systems) 
• Experience working with high pressure fluids & gaseous systems. 
• Ability to drive commercial vehicles and heavy equipment
• Ability to operate in confined spaces and over heights in fall protection/harnesses 
• Our work location is in a desert environment- willingness and ability to work in hot and harsh environments is required. 
• Must display maturity of action and judgment. 
• Must be able to work under pressure and fast paced environment. 
• Good communication skills 
• Willing to travel and be on-call. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license 

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted). 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with composite structures, rocket systems Highly Desired.
• Experience with composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace application. 
• Experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants within a Test environment. 
• FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License) 
• Minimum 2 years of college level education preferred. 

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $68,640.00–$99,840.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Export Requirements 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace.  All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.