Sr. 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 has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Technician role in our Spaceship Propulsion team! Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The core responsibilities of the role include the following, although not limited to:

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

Required Skills and Experience

• 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 solid and/or liquid 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

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Work location is in a desert environment; ability to work in hot/cold and harsh environments is required

• Ability to travel and be on-call

• Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed

• Ability to stand for extended periods – 9 hours at minimum

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

• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $53,040.00–$72,665.00. 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/fglean}.pdf)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal