Specialist, Materials Test Technician

Virgin Galactic; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Materials Manufacturing Technician to join the Test & Evaluation team to advance our next generation of spaceships to space. You will execute materials tests on composites, interpret drawings, and ensure bonding and curing processes meet exacting standards, with mentorship to junior techs.

The role requires a high school diploma, 4+ years in composite testing, and experience with lay-up, vacuum bagging, autoclave curing, and bonding.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 4+ years of experience in composite materials test.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital.
• Extensive knowledge of lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, and autoclave curing.
• Experience with structural bonding using both adhesives and mechanical fasteners.
• Experience with strain gauge bonding on composite test coupons.
• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools.
• Experience in an Agile work environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute tensile, torsion, compression, flexure and shear tests.
• Collect test data and report results to engineers, managers and executives.
• Interpret drawings and follow Manufacturing Work Instructions to ensure fabrication accuracy.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leaders to support collaboration across teams to complete project.
• Monitor and control maintenance and calibration of test assets.
• Occasional trim, machine and drill composite parts and test coupons to precise specifications.
• Occasional adhesive bonding of structural joints using paste adhesives and mechanical fasteners.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians.
• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

Skills

Composite materials testing

Drawings interpretation

Lay-up procedures

Vacuum bagging

Autoclave curing

Bonding with adhesives

Strain gauge bonding

Hand & power tools

Machining equipment

Agile environment

Follow work instructions

Mentorship/leadership

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Computer applications

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical person join our Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space! Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in all of our testing activities. As a Specialist Materials Manufacturing Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will focus on the activities surrounding the test of composite components and assemblies for our spaceships. You’ll bring your extensive expertise in materials testing to help ensure that novel materials, joints, bonding solutions and part designs meet exacting standards before they are accepted for use on next generation of spaceships!

Responsibilities

• Execute tensile, torsion, compression, flexure and shear materials testing using equipment including (but not limited to) universal test equipment

• Collect test data and report results to engineers, managers and executives

• Interpret engineering drawings and follow Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) to ensure fabrication accuracy and quality

• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and quality

• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leaders to support collaboration across teams to complete project

• Monitor and control maintenance and calibration of test assets (custom, materials, environmental chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more)

• Monitor and control maintenance and calibration of test assets (universal test machines, thermal/humidity chambers)

• Occasional trim, machine and drill composite parts and test coupons to precise specifications

• Occasional adhesive bonding of structural joints using paste adhesives and mechanical fasteners

• Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians

• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in composite materials test

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital

• Extensive knowledge of and experience in lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, and oven/autoclave curing

• Experience with structural bonding using both adhesives and mechanical fasteners

• Experience with strain gauge bonding on composite test coupons

• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment, including saws, surface grinders, drills, pencil grinders, lathes, mills and other mechanical tools

• Shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow work instructions

• A hands‑on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement

• Experience in an Agile work environment

• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with precision measurement tools (e.g. optical microscope, FTIR instrument, DGA instrument)

• Laboratory or industrial computer application proficiency

• Technical report writing skills

• Atlassian product experience (Jira, Confluence)

• Strong safety forward-thinking, practicing good housekeeping and tool control

• Proven track record of process improvement and technical leadership

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 as needed (10% travel expected)

• Must be able to stand for extended periods (4 hours)

• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

• Medium work: exerting up to 50lbs of force rarely, 20lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently to move objects

#LI-MS1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $61,526.00–$87,516.00. 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

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Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal