Lead Aerospace Manufacturing Technician

Virgin Galactic; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in Mesa, Arizona seeks a Lead Manufacturing Technician to guide shop floor teams in bonding, assembly, and test processes for spacecraft components. You will read engineering drawings, mentor technicians, and deliver high-quality results on a hands-on basis.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in aerospace manufacturing with leadership experience, strong tool handling, and a commitment to lean practices and safety. Onsite 4/10 schedule; weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Five+ years as a technician in aerospace or high-reliability field with two years leading/mentoring others.
• Experience with aircraft fabrication or similar production fabrication and assembly.
• Understanding of multiple fasteners.
• Hands-on experience in precision but manual manufacturing.
• Knowledge of drill speeds/feeds and hole tolerances.
• Experience with hand tools and safety in composite/metal structures.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to shop floor teammates.
• Work with Supervisor to forecast milestones and durations.
• Adhere to supervisor directions to support cross-team collaboration.
• Fabricate and assemble composite parts and sub-assemblies of varying complexity.
• Safely operate shop tools/machinery (drills, grinders, calipers).
• Trim, bag, mix materials and resins to tight tolerances.
• Read and interpret drawings/blueprints/models.
• Support spacecraft integration operations and develop technicians.
• Coach and develop technicians; promote teamwork to achieve goals.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Aerospace manufacturing

Reading drawings

Hands-on machining

Quality and safety focus

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand drills

PFD

Jiffy/E-Tech tools

Calipers

Job description

Virgin Galactic in Mesa, Arizona seeks a Lead Manufacturing Technician to guide shop floor teams in bonding, assembly, and test processes for spacecraft components. You will read engineering drawings, mentor technicians, and deliver high-quality results on a hands-on basis.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in aerospace manufacturing with leadership experience, strong tool handling, and a commitment to lean practices and safety. Onsite 4/10 schedule; weekend shifts may be required.