Structures Lead Technician

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Lead Structures Technician to assist with the oversight of manufacturing technicians in Mesa.  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.  

Primary tasks will be associated with the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production of our spaceships air frame.  This position will involve setting up assembly fixturing, drilling, fay sealing, fastener installation, trimming/fitting of components, and other dynamic and exciting spacecraft manufacturing operations.  Maintain focus on timeliness, execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. 

Work Schedule:  4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Day Shift

Responsibilities 

• Assist with providing technical guidance to shop floor teammates 

• Work closely with Supervisor to ensure that daily milestones are met, forecast completion dates and estimate work package durations 

• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from Supervisor to support collaboration across teams to complete projects    

• Assist with supporting and leading the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration  

• Fabricate and assemble composite and metallic parts and sub-assemblies of varying complexities and sizes   

• Ability to safely and correctly utilize shop tools/machinery to include drills, die grinders, and calipers   

• Ability to safely and correctly drill a variety of hole sizes in both composite and metal structures, including stack-ups of dissimilar materials   

• Working hands-on with multiple fastener types including, but not limited to; Hi-Lite, Hi-Lok, Composi-Lok 

• Ensure teammates practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules 

• Encourage and provide development and training opportunities for technicians  

• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks 

Required Skills and Experience  

• High School Diploma or equivalent  

• Minimum five years of experience as a technician in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field with two years of leading and mentoring others and/ or demonstrated ability to lead and train on technical tasks and projects 

• Experience with aircraft fabrication and assembly required   

• Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners 

• Hands-on experience in a precision yet manual manufacturing setting strongly preferred   

• Use of hand drills, power feed drills (PFD), Jiffy/E-Tech tools, Setti Tec preferred  

• Knowledge of proper drill speeds and feeds for materials being worked  

• Understanding of hole angularity and the importance of hole tolerances   

• Experience with hand tools, leading teams to ensure safety and correct drilling techniques in both composite and metal structures, including composite/metal stack-ups 

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices    

• Aircraft fabrication and assembly or equivalent experience 

• Experience in both a precision and manual manufacturing environment strongly preferred  

• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow manufacturing work instructions    

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Knowledge of applying current manufacturing practices and willingness to learn cutting edge spacecraft manufacturing techniques and/or Airframe & Power plant (A&P) training  

• Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners 

• Strong ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas 

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools a plus  

• Strong ability to get into the details, while maintaining a broader view  

• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 

• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

#LI-TQ

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 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.