Sr. Inspector, Quality (A&P)

Virgin Galactic; Truth or Consequences (NM); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Quality Control Inspector to support our Quality team at Spaceport America, onsite in Truth or Consequences, NM.

Primary tasks include inspecting engines, avionics, and vehicle structures, utilizing NCRs and data systems like TipQA and Apriso to ensure airworthiness and compliance with AS9100 standards. The role emphasizes safety, timely deliverables, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• FAA A&P license preferred or required.
• Minimum of five years in aerospace/related field; prototype aircraft experience helpful.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace standards.
• Ability to read drawings and use precision measurement tools.
• Experience with nonconforming material control processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections per schedule and ensure workmanship meets standards.
• Conduct preliminary, in-process, and final inspections.
• Review manufacturing records for completeness prior to release.
• Inspect defects, identify issues, and document results.
• Document inspection results and generate NCRs as needed.
• Support safety program and risk reduction activities.
• Lead quality projects with the department as required.
• Provide guidance to inspectors and collaborate with teams.

Skills

FAA A&P license

5+ years exp

AS9100 knowledge

Reading drawings

Nonconforming material

Inspection techniques

Color vision

Safety compliance

Measuring tools

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

TipQA

Apriso

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Quality Control Inspector to support our Quality team. 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.

Location

Position is located Onsite at Spaceport America

Current Work Schedule

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

Potential Future Work Schedules

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

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

Relocation

Assistance available to move to Las Cruces, NM area

Primary tasks will be associated with the inspection standards, principles, techniques to examine, question, evaluate and report objective evidence of results in accordance with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements. Responsible for the inspection of a variety of components, from engines and avionics to the overall structure of Virgin Galactic Flying assets by using a variety of tools and techniques to ensure the quality of the Flying Assets and their components. 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.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspections as scheduled, ensuring the quality of workmanship meets standard industry practices and complies with Manufacturing (MFG) Work Instructions

• Perform preliminary, in-progress and final inspections on all articles processed

• Review MFG records, work order reports and forms for completeness and accuracy prior to releasing the components, vehicles for return to service

• Inspect for defects and damage, proper identification, and dimensions using measuring devices

• Follow and document complex processes, input data and inspection results

• Be familiar with inspection methods, techniques and equipment used in their specialty to determine quality or airworthiness in alignment with our safety protocols

• Communicate effectively, in both written and verbal formats, with engineering, management and production personnel to convey product acceptance criteria and inspection results

• Generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required within TipQA and / or Apriso

• Perform receiving inspection duties as needed for all incoming material

• Oversee the proper tagging and identification of all parts and components to ensure that rejected or non-repairable parts are properly marked, quarantined, and rendered unusable

• Conduct work in a manner that enhances own/other employees health and safety, product safety and promotes risk reduction

• Participate openly in safety-related event investigations, and immediately report workplace hazards and make suggestions for control

• Cooperate and contribute toward the overall success of the Safety program at the local level

• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules

• Be able to do Lead technical investigations to support quality processes and support Root Cause Corrective Action activities

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

• Work on quality control assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues or in making recommendations

• Ensure quality and efficiency of installations, including troubleshooting and may provide guidance in troubleshooting processes and concepts

• Assist with providing technical guidance and training to Quality Inspectors in the areas of inspection techniques, quality standards, and company procedures

• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks within the Quality Control team as well as collaborating with other departments to maintain high-quality standards

• Assist Quality Control supervisor with leading quality projects within the department to achieve goals and solve problems

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

• Minimum of Five (5) years’ experience in a related field, may include, but not limited to; aerospace parts and components and hands‑on experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), or airline environment with a special emphasis in prototype aircraft

• Knowledge of AS9100 and other relevant aerospace industry standards and regulations

• In depth understanding of the inspection techniques and quality issues associated with manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse operations

• Experience with nonconforming material control processes

• Specific vision abilities (corrected or uncorrected) to include color perception, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus to be able to detect even the smallest of flaws or defects in the materials used

• Comply with safety regulations and promote a safe working environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• 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

• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven hands‑on inspection experience in the aerospace industry using a variety of precision measurement tools

• Basic math and technical writing skills

• Knowledge of applying current quality control practices and willingness to learn cutting edge spacecraft quality techniques

• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

#LI-JR1

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 (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/fmlen.pdf)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal