Title: Specialist Facilities, Electrical
Your Mission at Virgin Galactic
The Facilities Electrician, Specialist is the senior electrical authority for the Gateway to Space (GTS) facility. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. This role goes beyond routine maintenance to own the reliability, safety, and code compliance of GTS's electrical systems and infrastructure — including power distribution, life-safety and fire-alarm circuits, standby/backup power, and building electrical controls. The Specialist serves as the escalation point for complex electrical diagnostics, mentors Facilities Technicians and Electricians, and partners with the Site Facilities Manger on vendor management and higher-risk electrical work. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
Advanced Electrical Systems Ownership
- Own the performance, reliability, and code compliance of complex electrical systems: power distribution panels, transformers, circuit breakers, and standby/backup power equipment.
- Diagnose and resolve complex electrical failures (distribution, controls integration, high-voltage components) without routine escalation; serve as the escalation point for Facilities Technicians and Electricians.
- Perform and oversee testing of electrical systems and continuity of circuits using ohmmeters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of systems.
Code Compliance & Inspections
- Lead inspections of electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair; ensure compliance with applicable codes.
- Advise site and facilities leadership on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous, and recommend corrective action.
- Maintain a current journeyman or master electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
Design, Layout & Project Support
- Plan and oversee the layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures based on job specifications, local codes, and site requirements.
- Prepare or review sketches, drawings, and blueprints to determine the location of wiring and equipment and ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- Partner with the Site Facilities Manager to develop preliminary sketches, scopes of work, and cost estimates for materials and services on capital improvement and infrastructure projects.
Preventive Maintenance Program Coordination, Verification and Reporting
- Develop, refine, and audit PM schedules and procedures for electrical equipment; ensure completion quality, not just completion rate.
- Own preventive maintenance procedures for electrical systems and associated equipment at GTS, ensuring timely and thorough completion, and logging all activities in the facility maintenance system.
Mentorship & Technical Coordination
- Mentor and provide technical direction to junior electricians, technicians, and apprentices on the GTS facilities team.
- Review technician work for quality and completeness; provide informal on-the-job coaching and structured skills development.
Vendor Support
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for electrical contractors and equipment vendors performing work at GTS, reviewing scope, quality, and code compliance.
- Provide technical input on specifications and vendor quotes for electrical equipment replacements and major repairs.
General Facilities Support (Oversight Level)
- Perform basic carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, or associated work on Virgin Galactic facilities using hand and power tools as needed.
- Construct and fabricate parts, place conduit, and pull wiring/cable as required; work from ladders, lifts, scaffolds, and roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical systems.
- Support general building maintenance as needed and ensure technician-performed work meets quality standards.
Emergency/Incident Response Coordination
- Lead the response to emergency situations (fire, evacuation, power and equipment failure, etc.), directing junior staff as needed.
- Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights and generators and driving needed vehicles.
Independent Work & Documentation
- Operate independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing complex work orders and maintaining rigorous documentation in the facility maintenance system.
- Focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.
- Maintain accurate records and files, prepare reports, and order supplies and equipment as needed.
Required Skills and Experience
- 6+ years of related electrical work experience, including experience operating with minimal supervision.
- Certified journeyman or master electrician (license required).
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical direction to less experienced electricians or technicians.
- Ability to accurately read and interpret operation manuals, manufacturing and installation instructions, sketches, blueprints, and diagrams.
- Strong written / verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical leadership.
- Able to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities with minimal oversight.
- Valid driver's license.
- Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
- Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.
- Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
Preferred Skils and Experience
- Carpentry, HVAC, and plumbing experience.
- Experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
- Prior experience in aerospace, data center, laboratory, or other critical-environment facilities.
- Experience supporting capital project scoping, vendor selection, or contractor management.
Physical and/or Additional Requirements
- Frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, kneeling, and working in mechanical spaces/rooftops.
- Exposure to noise, dust, and weather conditions (including roof access).
- Ability to lift upto 50 lbs. and work at heights of 20 feet or more.
- Use of PPE as required by task (safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, arc-flash rated gear as applicable, etc.).
Shift & Availability
- 1st Shift, 4-day schedule (e.g., Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday); schedule may adjust to support business needs.
- Occasional overtime during critical incidents or project work.
- Participation in on-call/emergency response rotation as needed.
#LI-LN1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $61,526.00–$87,516.00. 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.