Title:  Lead, Propulsion Test Technician

Your Mission at Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic has an exciting opportunity for a Lead, Propulsion Test role in our Spaceship Propulsion team!  Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Test systems and Test structures
• Lead technicians to accomplish assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repair work on the rocket system test platform and all test components  
• Checks, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, removes, and installs all parts of Test article and Test fixtures, including propulsion systems, Electrical and Data recording equipment & instruments, fuel & pressurizing systems, and mechanical systems 
• Performs machine tool work and Metal fabrication in connection with the above mechanical and systems maintenance work 
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and protocols, conducting regular inspections and risk assessments, and implementation of PPE to maintain a safe working environment
• Accountable 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 electronic equipment & instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems
• Inspect parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish and approve own work 
• Responsible for operational procedures for propellant/cryogens/pressurized gases loading
• Will be required to, but not limited to work on base maintenance type workloads valid for the rocket systems test platform 
• Coach, train, set directions and guidelines for the team to support collaboration across team members to drive projects to completion
• Be an example of safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Willing to work in a Hazardous environment with High Energetic Materials

Required Skills and Experience 

• Minimum 2 years of college level education and/or combination of work and education is required 
• Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship, and/or on the job training, experience is required 
• Minimum 5+ years line maintenance, Test site operations, test component and systems fabrication experience are required
• Prior experience with Data collection, electronics and system fabrication is required
• Familiarity with procedures applicable to the various phases of Test operations, systems fabrications, and maintenance
• Prior experience with composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace applications.
• Prior experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants within a Test environment is required
• Prior experience working with high pressure fluids & gaseous systems, fabrication of tubing and installation of associated components is required
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
• Ability to drive commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and obtain a CDL 
• Ability to operate in confined spaces and over heights in fall protection/harnesses 
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and fast paced environment 
• Good communication skills 

Certifications/Licenses:

• FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License) is preferred and/or Certifications of training or similar experience within aerospace, aviation or automotive is required
• Ability to obtain an Airport Operations Area (AOA) badge, upon completion of required training
• Eligibility to apply for ATF Employee Possessor permit to handle explosive materials
• A valid state driver’s license and passport is required

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Work location is in a desert environment; ability to work in hot/cold and harsh environments is required 
• Ability to travel and be on-call 
• Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed
• Ability to stand for extended periods – 9 hours at minimum
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted) 

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $72,134.00–$105,019.00. 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.