Associate Build Manager

Virgin Galactic is seeking highly motivated Associate Manager, Build to support our Manufacturing team.  Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design and assembly efforts. In this role, you will assist with the execution of projects and support project planning, recovery plans, and build execution in a manufacturing environment. You will serve as a Manufacturing liaison between departments to help achieve project deliverables and goals.

Responsibilities

• Report program status, risk assessment, and other metrics to Build Management Leadership Team, and Program Manager to support short term and long-term goals
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a manufacturing build plan for the program
• Provide a clear plan of action and guidance for the production teammates
• Collaborate with production team to develop and implement agile response strategies for rapid project adjustments
• Coordinate efforts amongst the engineering and manufacturing departments to develop MBOM structure to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the production team
• Work with the assigned Program Manager to deliver the project safely, on time, and on budget
• Supports the development of conflict resolution plans to schedule setbacks by developing and implementing recovery plans with engineering and manufacturing
• Supports efforts between all manufacturing/engineering functions to support build schedules by means of identifying tooling, materials, resources, planning, and product definition to ensure a seamless transition from paper to reality
• Collaborate with production planning to assure assembly flow is properly supported by all functions to deliver material and hardware on schedule
• Drive safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules

Required Skills and Experience 

• Relevant education, such as trade school or Associate’s degree; and /or equivalent technical work experience

• Minimum of six years’ experience in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field with three years of leading others and/ or demonstrated ability to lead and train on technical concepts 
• Experience in Manufacturing Leadership, Manufacturing Project Management, or Production Planning
• Experience within an external customer-facing role a plus
• Extensive experience and/or training in lean manufacturing principles and leading or participating in process improvement workshops, Six Sigma or Kaizen events
• Experience with manufacturing-based software systems a plus

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing functions

• Excellent knowledge of component assembly, both subassembly and final top-level assembly
• Strong understanding of schedule, quality, and budget relationship
• Working knowledge of configuration management practices and quality management processes
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the proven ability to lead, motivate, and build teams
• Strong analytical skills, combined with a strong commercial acumen to measure the potential impact of each decision
• Excellent organizational skills, easily capable of effectively juggling and completing multiple tasks at the same time, and thrives under pressure
• Lead by example in strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and, chemicals 
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrated computer and analytical skills including proficiency with MS Project, manufacturing software or related programs and dashboards
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 plus hours minimum

#LI-TQ

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $78,500.00–$119,750.00. 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 an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. 

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, gender identity, 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. 

PHOENIX EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge.  This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.