Lead Aerospace Technician – Spacecraft Assembly

Virgin Galactic; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic seeks a Lead Manufacturing Technician to guide bonding, assembly, and test processes for spaceship airframe structures and rocket motor components. You will work from drawings and instructions across composites bonding, fixturing, drilling, sealing, and checks to deliver high‑quality spacecraft components.

Expect 4/10 onsite schedules with occasional future shifts; lead teams, troubleshoot issues, and ensure safety and quality standards while mentoring technicians in a dynamic

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of technician experience in aerospace/high-reliability field with two years leading/mentoring.
• Experience with aircraft fabrication/production fabrication and assembly.
• Familiarity with multiple fasteners.
• Hands-on experience in precision, manual manufacturing.
• Knowledge of drill speeds/feeds for materials.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings/blueprints/models.
• Willing to be clean shaven to wear a full-face respirator.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Ability to use computers to follow manufacturing work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to shop floor teammates.
• Collaborate with Supervisor to meet milestones and forecast work packages.
• Follow Supervisor directions to coordinate cross-team projects.
• Fabricate and assemble composite parts and sub-assemblies of varying complexities.
• Safely operate shop tools and machines (drills, grinders, calipers).
• Trim, bag, mix materials, composites and resins to specifications.
• Apply adhesives and resin ratios to tight tolerances.
• Read and apply engineering drawings to assemblies.
• Support spacecraft integration operations with new skills as needed.
• Coach and develop technicians; contribute to team goals.

Skills

Leadership

Hands-on

Attention to detail

Reading blueprints

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Drills

PFDs

Jiffy/E-Tech tools

Setti Tec

Job description

Virgin Galactic seeks a Lead Manufacturing Technician to guide bonding, assembly, and test processes for spaceship airframe structures and rocket motor components. You will work from drawings and instructions across composites bonding, fixturing, drilling, sealing, and checks to deliver high‑quality spacecraft components.

Expect 4/10 onsite schedules with occasional future shifts; lead teams, troubleshoot issues, and ensure safety and quality standards while mentoring technicians in a dynamic