Aerospace Composite Materials Test Technician

Virgin Galactic; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated Specialist Materials Manufacturing Technician to join the Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space. You will execute materials testing, interpret drawings, and mentor junior technicians while driving process improvements.

This full-time role requires hands-on experience with lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, autoclave curing, and bonding, plus calibration of test assets. Occasional travel is expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of experience in composite materials test.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and models.
• Extensive knowledge of lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, and autoclave curing.
• Experience with structural bonding using adhesives and mechanical fasteners.
• Experience with strain gauge bonding on composite test coupons.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment.
• Shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge.
• Hands-on mentality with focus on continuous improvement.
• Experience in an Agile work environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute tensile, torsion, compression, flexure and shear materials testing.
• Collect test data and report results to engineers and managers.
• Interpret engineering drawings and MWIs for fabrication accuracy.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Support collaboration across teams to complete projects.
• Monitor and calibrate test assets including environmental chambers and universal test machines.
• Occasionally trim, machine and drill composite parts to spec.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians.
• Perform other duties as required by leadership.

Skills

Drawings interpretation

Lay-up procedures

Vacuum bagging

Autoclave curing

Structural bonding

Strain gauge bonding

Machining tools

Hand & power tools

Agile environment

Process improvement

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated Specialist Materials Manufacturing Technician to join the Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space. You will execute materials testing, interpret drawings, and mentor junior technicians while driving process improvements.

This full-time role requires hands-on experience with lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, autoclave curing, and bonding, plus calibration of test assets. Occasional travel is expected.