Lead Manufacturing Technician, Avionics

Virgin Galactic • Gilbert, AZ

2d • $72,134 - $105,019 • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Lead Avionics Technician to help oversee manufacturing technicians at its Mesa facility. The role supports spacecraft manufacturing and assembly, with hands-on work on the avionics architecture of a full fly-by-wire spaceship. Tasks include harness installation and fabrication, wire routing and tying, stripping and terminations, ring-outs, troubleshooting, and other spacecraft manufacturing operations. The position also uses shop tools and machinery such as multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, wire strippers, and cutters. The technician is expected to maintain focus on timely execution and deliverables and to support accountability across the team.

The current schedule is onsite Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Potential future schedules include onsite Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., or onsite Thursday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position’s annual U.S. base salary range is $72,134–$105,019. Other forms of pay and medical, financial, and other benefits may also be provided, depending on the position offered.

Applicants must meet U.S. Government export requirements: be a U.S. Person or able to obtain the required authorization, and not be included on the OFAC list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Employment at the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility is contingent on obtaining and maintaining a TSA-authorized security badge, including initial and annual background checks. Virgin Galactic is an equal opportunity and drug-free workplace employer.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Understanding of IPC-A-620 standards; certification is a plus.
• At least five years of technician experience in aerospace or an equivalent high-reliability field, including two years leading and mentoring others, or demonstrated ability to lead and train others on technical tasks and projects.
• Experience with aircraft wire harness fabrication and installation.
• Experience with hand tools and leading teams in safe, correct drilling techniques in composite and metal structures, including composite/metal stack-ups.
• Aircraft fabrication and assembly experience or equivalent experience.
• Ability to use computer applications to follow manufacturing work instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models in paper or digital form.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nice To Haves

• IPC-A-620 certification.
• Experience in both precision and manual manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of current manufacturing practices and willingness to learn cutting-edge spacecraft manufacturing techniques and/or Airframe & Power Plant (A&P) training.
• Strong communication skills, including communicating in a timely and respectful manner and being open to other ideas.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools.
• Ability to focus on details while maintaining a broader view.
• Safety-forward approach, good housekeeping, tool control, and awareness of proper handling of hazardous materials and chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with providing technical guidance to shop-floor teammates.
• Work with the Supervisor to ensure daily milestones are met, forecast completion dates, and estimate work-package durations.
• Follow directions and guidelines from the Supervisor and collaborate across teams to complete projects.
• Assist in supporting and leading the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used in aircraft or space exploration.
• Fabricate and assemble avionics line-replaceable units (LRUs) and harnesses, and integrate them on the vehicle.
• Ensure teammates practice safe behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness and prevention, and follow regulatory protocols and rules.
• Encourage and provide development and training opportunities for technicians.
• Ensure the quality and efficiency of installations, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance on troubleshooting processes and concepts to ensure accurate completion of complex assemblies in accordance with assembly instructions.
• Fabricate and assemble avionics components and install them on the ship, including wire harnesses, data acquisition units (DAUs), and sensors.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and complete assigned tasks.
• Use shop tools and machinery, including multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, wire strippers, and cutters.
• Maintain focus on timely execution of tasks and deliverables and support team accountability.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided, depending 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: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED