Senior Rocket Propulsion Test Technician

Virgin Galactic; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Technician to join the Spaceship Propulsion team in Mojave, CA. You will support development and maintenance of rocket test systems, fabricate components, and ensure safe operation of ground support equipment.

The role requires hands-on experience with test operations, high-pressure systems, and strict safety practices. A technical college degree or apprenticeship plus several years of maintenance and fabrication experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of college level education and/or combination of work and education is required.
• Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship, and/or on the job training, experience is required.
• Minimum 3+ years line maintenance, Test site operations, test component and systems fabrication experience are required.
• Knowledge of high-pressure system components, connection types, fittings, etc.
• Prior experience with Data collection, electronics and system fabrication is required.
• Familiarity with procedures applicable to the various phases of Test operations, systems fabrications, and maintenance.
• Prior experience with composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace applications.
• Prior experience with rocket systems and associated propellants within a Test environment is required.
• Prior experience working with high pressure fluids & gaseous systems, fabrication of tubing and installation of associated components is required.
• FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License) is preferred and/or Certifications of training or similar experience within aerospace, aviation or automotive is required.
• Ability to obtain an Airport Operations Area (AOA) badge, upon completion of required training.
• Eligibility to apply for ATF Employee Possessor permit to handle explosive materials.
• A valid state driver’s license and passport is required.
• Ability to drive commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and obtain a CDL.
• Ability to operate in confined spaces and over heights in fall protection/harnesses.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and fast paced environment.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of Test systems and Test structures
• Responsible for accomplishing assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repair work on the rocket system test platform and all test components
• Checks, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, removes, and installs all parts of Test article and Test fixtures, including propulsion systems, Electrical and Data recording equipment & instruments, fuel & pressurizing systems, and mechanical systems
• Performs machine tool work and Metal fabrication in connection with the above mechanical and systems maintenance work
• Accountable to complete and sign work records in connection with work performed
• Operate propulsion ground support pressure systems during propellant loading operations
• Inspects, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, assembles, removes, and installs all propulsion system components/assemblies, including electronic equipment & instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems
• Inspects parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish and approve own work
• Will be required to, but not limited to work on base maintenance type workloads valid for the rocket systems test platform
• Execute operational procedures for propellant/cryogens/pressurized gases loading
• Assist with maintenance, repair and/or modification tasks for applicable propulsion system ground support equipment components
• Willing to work in a Hazardous environment with High Energetic Materials
• Basic clean room practices and processes for cleaning flight hardware components
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules

Skills

Good communication

Confined spaces & fall protection

CDL

Travel & on-call

Airport badge eligibility

FOD awareness

Safety discipline

Education

2+ years college / work-education

Technical college or apprenticeship

On-the-job training experience

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Senior Technician to join the Spaceship Propulsion team in Mojave, CA. You will support development and maintenance of rocket test systems, fabricate components, and ensure safe operation of ground support equipment.

The role requires hands-on experience with test operations, high-pressure systems, and strict safety practices. A technical college degree or apprenticeship plus several years of maintenance and fabrication experience are expected.