Associate Test Technician

Virgin Galactic; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 44,554 - 60,996; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits

Financial Benefits

Overtime Opportunities

Flexible Shifts

Travel Opportunities

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is looking for a motivated Associate Test Technician to join their Test & Evaluation team. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, helping to build and operate test equipment for next-generation spaceships. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of components before they are flown into space. The ideal candidate is hands-on, has a strong safety ethic, and is eager to learn. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight and making dreams of space travel a reality!

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience as a technician in aerospace or high-reliability field.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate test components for laboratory and vehicle testing.
• Collect test data and report results to managers and engineers.
• Assist engineers on production and R&D test projects.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Verbal Communication

Problem Solving

Mechanical Skills

Safety Awareness

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mechanical Hand Tools

Electro-Mechanical Assemblies

Test Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical person to join our Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space! Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in all of our testing.

As an Associate Test Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will help build and operate test equipment that will verify components, subsystems, and systems of our spaceships, often as the last step before they are installed for flight. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to step into the aerospace industry, bringing your tenacity, enthusiasm, and thirst for knowledge to help us make future astronauts!

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and fabricate test components and carry out laboratory, component, assembly, and vehicle testing.
• Assist in the design and fabrication of test fixtures and test setups.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.
• Fabricate test article instrumentation, electro-mechanical assemblies, fluid and test equipment wire harnesses.
• Operation of test equipment (custom, materials, environmental chambers, altitude chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more).
• Collect test data and report results to designated managers and engineers.
• Prepare and conduct tests of composites for mechanical properties.
• Bonding and machining of test coupons.
• Assist engineers and other technicians on production and R&D test projects.
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.
• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a technician in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• A hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement is needed to support the airframe and systems test lab successfully.
• Strong safety work ethic – recognizes the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and tools, as well as working around highly energized systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Competent with mechanical hand tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications for work documentation.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in a test lab environment or in an aerospace, manufacturing, or similar controlled environment.
• Familiarity with electronics, pneumatics, and/or hydraulics.
• Experience with engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and/or instrumentation layout.
• Familiarity with the operation of saws, lathes, mills, and/or other mechanical tools.
• Familiarity with the operation of soldering irons, DMMs, scopes, function generators, power supplies, wire cutters/strippers/crimpers, and/or other electrical tools.
• Basic shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge.

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and be available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to travel as needed (10% Travel expected).
• Must be able to stand for extended periods (4 hours).
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Medium work: exerting up to 50lbs of force rarely, 20lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently to move objects.

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $44,554.00–$60,996.00. 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 here.

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 are 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.