Manufacturing Technician, Avionics

Virgin Galactic; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a dedicated Avionics Technician to support our Mesa Manufacturing team. You will work hands-on with a fly-by-wire spaceship, installing wire harnesses, DAUs, and sensors, while following strict safety and assembly procedures.

Responsibilities include fabricating avionics components, interpreting drawings, and collaborating across teams to meet project milestones. This role requires at least two years in aerospace manufacturing and strict adherence to safety practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience as a technician in aerospace or equivalent high‑reliability field.
• Experience with hands‑on aircraft manufacturing with composite and/or metallic airframes.
• Experience with aircraft fabrication and assembly required or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble avionics components and install on ship to include wire harnesses, DAUs, and sensors.
• Adhere to team leader directions to support cross‑team collaboration to complete projects.
• Assist manufacturing in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies.
• Adhere to assembly instructions to ensure accurate completion of complex assemblies.
• Practice safety behavior and FOD awareness; follow regulatory protocols.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and complete tasks.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

Read blueprints

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

FOD prevention

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Problem solving

Electrical test wiring

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Multimeters

Soldering irons

Crimpers

Wire strippers

Wire cutters

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Avionics Technician to support our Manufacturing team in Mesa. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design and assembly efforts. In this role, you will work hands‑on with the unique avionics’ architecture of a full fly by wire spaceship that includes but is not limited to; harness installation, wire tying, wire bundle routing, wire stripping, wire terminations, ring outs, troubleshooting and other dynamic and exciting spacecraft manufacturing operations.

Primary tasks are associated with the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production of our spaceships air frame and installation and check‑out of aircraft systems. Utilize Shop Tools/Machinery that include multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, wire strippers and cutters. Focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Current Work Schedule

• 4/10 Onsite Thursday through Sunday Day Shift (6:00am – 4:30pm)

Potential Future Work Schedules

• 4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Day Shift (6:00am – 4:30pm)
• 4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Night Shift (4:00pm – 2:30am)

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble avionics components and install on ship to include wire harnesses, data acquisition units (DAU's), and sensors
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete project.
• Assist in supporting the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration
• Adhere to assembly instructions to ensure accurate completion of complex project assemblies
• 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

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years of experience as a technician in an aerospace or equivalent high‑reliability field
• Experience with hands‑on aircraft manufacturing with composite and/or metallic airframes
• Experience with aircraft fabrication and assembly required or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow manufacturing work instructions
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of applying current manufacturing practices and willingness to learn cutting edge spacecraft manufacturing techniques and /or Airframe & Power plant (A&P) training preferred
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools a plus
• Ability to get into the details, while maintaining a broader view
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications for work documentation

#LI-MS1

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 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.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: [e-mail]

Mandatory Notices

Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf)

E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es

Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlan.pdf)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal