Lead Technician, GSE

Virgin Galactic; Truth or Consequences (NM); On-site; USD 72,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Lead Mechanic for its Ground Support Equipment team, overseeing maintenance on GSE/SGSE fleets and driving repair plans. The role requires hands-on repairs, welding, and inspections, with travel as needed to support operations.

The position emphasizes safety, timely task execution, and team coaching to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years relevant mechanical experience.
• Minimum of 1 year in a supervisory/lead position with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and maintain a safe and efficient workplace.
• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record per insurance criteria.
• Sound ability to interpret printed or electronic maintenance manuals.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support operational needs.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and quality execution of maintenance on company owned/leased GSE, SGSE, and vehicle fleet.
• Perform diagnostic procedures to determine needed repairs.
• Create and execute repair plans, order parts, communicate delays to supervisor.
• Assist with and perform standard to complex mechanical and electric repairs on equipment.
• Assist with welding repairs (MIG, stick, acetylene).
• Assist with daily preoperational inspection of gear for serviceability.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Lead supervision

Driver's license

Maintenance manuals

Communication skills

Safety awareness

PPE familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MRO software

Job description

Virgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com is looking for a Lead Mechanic, GSE, for our Ground Support Equipment team. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. If you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver and can make things happen - apply today! Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the timely and quality execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on company owned/leased GSE, SGSE, and vehicle fleet
• Perform diagnostic procedures to determine needed repairs
• Responsible for creation and timely execution of repair plans, ordering parts, and communicating all delays to supervisor
• Assist with and perform standard to complex mechanical and electric repairs on equipment
• Assist with and perform welding repairs with MIG welding, stick welding, or acetylene gas welding
• Assist with and perform daily preoperational inspection of gear to ensure serviceability and operational readiness
• Charge or fuel as needed
• Maintain a clean and well organized work area at all times, free of dirt, clutter, and debri
• Both gear and workspace are to maintain a “show room” standard
• Ensure teammates practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Coach,train, and transferexpertiseto your team todriveprojects to completion
• Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills And Experience

• Minimum of 6 years relevant mechanical experience
• Minimum of 1 year in a supervisory/lead position with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and maintain a safe an efficient workplace
• Must have and be able to maintain a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record that will pass the criteria set by our insurance carrier for on the job coverage
• Sound ability to interpret printed or electronic maintenance manuals
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support operational needs
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Has a strong systems mechanical background and show ability to learn and become proficient on new and/or customized equipment
• Good oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management
• Displays sound judgment, with the ability to make accurate and timely decisions
• Must possess strong motivational, organizational, interpersonal and computer skills.
• Sound ability to interpret printed or electronic maintenance manuals
• Ability to adapt to paperless environment, using tablets to receive and record maintenance tasks via MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) software
• Ability and desire to work in a fast paced start-up environment
• *The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Physical And/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed
• Must be able to travel 25% or more of the time and/or be on call as needed
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces- 3+ hours min.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $72,134.00–$105,019.00. 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.