Specialist Technician, Structures

Virgin Galactic; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in Mesa seeks a Structures Specialist Technician to join the Manufacturing team. You will support assembly, bonding, drilling, sealing, and fastener installation for spacecraft airframes, emphasizing safety and on-time delivery.

Four+ years as a technician in aerospace/manufacturing with leadership/mentoring experience is required. Expect 4/10 onsite nights (4:00pm–2:30am) with future schedules possible. Base salary ranges from $61,526 to $87,516 annually.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four years’ experience as a technician in aerospace/manufacturing and demonstrated ability to lead projects and provide training/guidance.
• Experience with multiple fasteners and hole tolerances; familiarity with drill speeds/feeds.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading and supporting manufacturing in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircraft or space exploration.
• Fabricate and assemble composite parts and assemblies of varying complexities.
• Safely operate shop tools and machinery including drills, grinders, and calipers.
• Drill holes in composites and metals; manage stack-ups of dissimilar materials.
• Mentor and train technicians on-the-job and via instructor-led sessions.
• Maintain safety and FOD awareness; follow regulatory protocols.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Safety awareness

PPE usage

Heavy lifting

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Structures Specialist 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.

Primary tasks will be associated with the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production and assembly of our spaceships air frame. This position will involve setting up assembly fixturing, drilling, fay sealing, fastener installation, trimming/fitting of components, and other dynamic and exciting spacecraft manufacturing operations. Maintain 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.

Work Schedule

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

Potential Future Work Schedules

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

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading and supporting the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration
• Fabricate and assemble Composite parts and assemblies of varying complexities and sizes
• Ability to safely and correctly Utilize Shop Tools/Machinery to include drills, die grinders, and calipers
• Ability to safely and correctly drill a variety of hole sizes in both composite and metal structures, including stack-ups of dissimilar materials
• Hands-on with multiple fastener types including, but not limited to; Hi-Lite, Hi-Lok, Composi-Lok
• Hands‐on aircraft manufacturing with either/both composite and metallic airframes
• Encourage and provide development opportunities for technicians utilizing coaching and leadership skills
• Responsible for training technicians on-the-job and through instructor led training to support the assembly requirements
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete project
• Ensure quality and efficiency of installations, including troubleshooting and may provide guidance in troubleshooting processes and concepts
• Adhere to assembly instructions to ensure accurate completion of complex project assemblies
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of four years’ experience as a technician in an aerospace or manufacturing industry and demonstrated ability to lead projects and provide technical training /guidance
• Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners
• Knowledge of proper drill speeds and feeds for materials being worked
• Understanding of hole angularity and the importance of hole tolerances
• Experience with leading projects and mentoring
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems

  Required 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
  • Hands-on experience in a precision yet manual manufacturing setting strongly preferred
  • Use of hand drills, power feed drills (PFD), Jiffy/E-Tech tools, Setti Tec preferred
  • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
  • Strong ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful and open to other ideas
  • Ability to encourage and provide development training opportunities for technicians
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools
  • 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)

  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