Composite Technician

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated Composite Technician to be a part of our Flight Maintenance team to support our mission. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design, developing and testing efforts.  Establish and share the vision towards a common goal while holding self and others accountable.

As a Composite Technician you will be tasked with being well versed in the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production of our spaceships. You will use various tools and components in your operations with a focus on safety, timeliness and execution of your deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Accomplishes assigned modification and repair work on the space flight system vehicle composite structures.

• Performs precise trimming/drilling/finishing of composite structure component parts and assemblies.

• Assembles composite structures including layup, bonding, and fastener applications.

• Performs surface preparations, hand abrade and power abrasion techniques within company process specification documentation and maintain precise measurements.

• Fabricates laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials per company process specification documentation.

• Prepares and manage parts for composite curing processes like bagging, placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections.

• Performs accurate calculations and processes for adhesive mixing ratios within company and manufacturing specifications.

• Performs general tolerance and dimensional calculations for layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points for composite material and components.

• Utilizes measurement tools and devices such as calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches to execute work duties.

• Applies composite expertise to perform close tolerance scarf repairs whenever needed.

• Communicates and accurately document work in progress, including correctly recording required completed task and completed job signoffs per company documentation requirements.

• Focuses on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables everyday.

• Works collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.

You may be asked to perform other related duties and projects as business needs require at direction of management.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years working with carbon fiber and fiberglass composite materials, assemblies, and tooling spanning layup, trimming, drilling, surface prep, bonding and curing type operations.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Must have or be able to obtain a driver’s license.

• Familiarity with industry practices for composite assemblies and materials.

• Must be willing to travel and be on-call.

• Qualified to obtain Air Operations Area (AOA) access.

• Preferred to have a valid FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License).

• Proactive, strategic and detail-oriented approaches with a strong commitment to safety, quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

• Ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups.

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

• Abililty to use computer applictions and MS Office suite of tools.

• Seeks out diverse perspectives and helps one another win.

• Holds themselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Physical Requirements

• Work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.

• Travel 25% or more of the time.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position – 8 hours minimum.

• Able to maneuver in tight spaces through positioning self by stooping, bending, crawling – 3 hours minimum.

• Physically able to handle items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds (unassisted).

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $53,040.00–$72,665.00. 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.