SpaceWrench, A&P Technician

Virgin Galactic • Truth or Consequences, NM

5d • $64,235 - $90,235 • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a mid-level experienced Space Wrench (A&P Technician) to support its commercial space operations. This hands-on role combines existing aerospace experience with the development of Spaceline maintenance and requires attention to detail, a desire to learn, enthusiasm for the new space industry, and strong people skills. The full-time position is based onsite at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Available 4/10 schedules are Monday through Thursday day shift (6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), Monday through Thursday night shift (4:00 p.m.–2:30 a.m.), or Thursday through Sunday day shift (6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). The position may require work on all shifts, overtime, and weekends when needed, as well as travel of 25% or more and on-call availability.

The technician performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and related work on Space Flight System vehicles. Work may cover propulsion systems, avionics, instruments, fuel, environmental control, life support, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, as well as machine-tool and composite repairs. The technician uses avionics test equipment and hand tools, returns aircraft to service as authorized, completes and signs maintenance records, and assists with developing and improving vehicle maintenance manuals and the Spaceline General Maintenance Manual (GMM). The employer may change or assign other duties.

The annual U.S. base salary range is $64,235–$90,235. Actual base pay depends on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and internal equity. Other forms of pay may be provided, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. Government export requirements, including U.S. Person status or ability to obtain required authorization, and must not be on the specified OFAC list.

Requirements

• Valid FAA-approved Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.
• Valid passport and ability to obtain a driver’s license.
• Firm grasp of procedures applicable to the various phases of maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of avionics systems and their operation, with proven troubleshooting ability.
• Willingness to travel and be on call.
• Qualified to obtain Air Operations Area (AOA) access.
• Ability to assume responsibility for administering policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Mature action and judgment.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work all shifts and overtime, including weekends when needed.
• Ability to travel 25% or more of the time.
• Ability to stand for at least 8 hours.
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces for at least 3 hours.
• Ability to handle items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Must satisfy the stated U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of college-level education.
• Certifications or specialized training applicable to aerospace or aviation technologies.
• Graduation from a technical college or recognized apprenticeship program.
• At least 3 years of line-maintenance experience; 5–10 years is preferred.
• Experience with narrow-body and/or business-jet aircraft.
• Experience with composite aircraft in commercial or military aerospace applications.
• Experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repair work on Space Flight System vehicles.
• Check, dismantle, adjust, overhaul, repair, fabricate, remove, and install aircraft parts and systems, including turbine and rocket propulsion, avionics equipment and instruments, fuel, ECS, life support, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform machine-tool work and composite repairs related to maintenance work.
• Use avionics test equipment and associated hand tools for systems testing and maintenance, and keep abreast of advanced test equipment and its use.
• Return aircraft to service after maintenance as permitted by the Spaceline GMM and A&P license privileges.
• Complete and sign work records for work performed.
• Inspect aircraft, parts, sub-assemblies, and completed assemblies.
• Assist in developing and improving maintenance manual definitions for vehicle systems and structures.
• Assist with continual enhancement of the Spaceline GMM.
• Perform base-maintenance-type workloads on Spaceline vehicles.

Benefits

• Medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered.
• Other forms of pay, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed