Manager, Test Operations

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical leader to lead a variety of Test & Evaluation activities for our next generation of Spaceships.  The Test Operations Manager for Test & Evaluation Department will lead a team of engineers and technicians to plan, execute and deliver testing for multiple engineering disciplines; including, but not limited to structures, materials, mechanical systems, avionics and flight controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of Virgin Galactic’s ground testing capabilities, resources and procedures to meet the needs of the engineering and manufacturing organizations for all Space Line programs

• Actively manage the Test Operations schedules and budgets, regularly working them with both senior leadership and program leaders, suggesting and implementing practically-driven plans

• Provide both the technical review and approval of test operations directives including test plans, procedures, reports and associated designs

• Participate in technical reviews for Test Operations product development activities and verify technical and operational requirements are properly achieved

• Drive practical continuous improvement of test activities including test processes, capital projects, standardization efforts and training activities

• Be accountable for the development and implementation of engineering tools/methods/processes for the functional area of responsibility

• Review manufacturing plans and procedures to ensure compliance with program, design and other requirements

• Ensure common best practices are integrated across Test Operations

• Deliver department communications through regular staff meetings, provide career planning, performance management, mentoring, and training to the team

• Ensure that all decisions of your team are driven by safety: be the safety focal for Test Operations - drive the adoption of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), safety audits for all roles and work functions, and maintain a safety-first culture

• With support from senior management, foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity, sharing, creative problem solving, and strategic thinking

• Conducts personnel evaluations and one-on-ones with team members at regular intervals to:

  • Review and approval of individual timecards, time-off requests, and expense reports

  • Manage team members required company-level training plans

  • Develop personalized growth & development plans, as well as appropriate annual goals, including performance support and tracking

• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in engineering

• 5+ years of experience in test practices including at least one of the following: component acceptance and qualification, structural test, materials test, environmental test

• 1+ years of demonstrated leadership experience

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant engineering discipline

• Proven analytical skills in test relevant engineering areas

• High test process rigor, including requirements gathering, test plan and procedure creation, strong integrity in test execution, and test reporting skills

• Strong schedule management skills and understanding of schedule relationship to scope and cost

• A proven ability to lead and motivate teams

• Effective organizational skills, capable of effectively juggling and completing multiple tasks across different disciplines and programs

• Effective delegation skills

• Experience with project/task management software

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Masters degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant engineering discipline

• Experience with Full Scale/Large Scale testing of primary structure in a FAR 23/25 or DoD environment

• Experience with component testing in a DO-160 and/or SMC-S-016 (or similar) environment

• Experience with environmental testing of mechanical systems and/or avionics

• Experience with mechanical and physical testing of materials, with an emphasis on metallic and/or composite materials.

• Hands-on experience with composite part fabrication and assembly process

• Working knowledge of 3DX PLM system

• PMP certification

• Advanced Confluence/Jira user

• SharePoint familiarity

• Experience managing projects and tasks in an Agile environment

#LI-DR

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $96,600.00–$147,300.00. 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.