Lead Technician, Manufacturing

Virgin Galactic•Gilbert, AZ

37d•$72,134 - $105,019•Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a first-rate, highly motivated Lead Manufacturing Technician to support our Vehicle and Rocket Motor Manufacturing teams. 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. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, excellent people skills, and a creative, agile mindset ready to overcome challenges and complete projects in a dynamic, pioneering environment. Working from engineering drawings and detailed work instructions, you will apply and lead our unique bonding, assembly, fabrication, and test processes across both spaceship airframe structures and hybrid rocket motor components. Responsibilities span composites bonding and fabrication, assembly fixturing setup, drilling, fay sealing, wet fastener installation, trimming/fitting, installation and check-out of aircraft systems, and testing — producing top-quality components that meet the highest standards. If you thrive on variety, love solving hands-on problems, and want to be part of the team building the future of spaceflight, you'll feel right at home here.” Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Minimum five years of experience as a technician in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field with two years of leading and mentoring others and/or demonstrated ability to lead and train in technical tasks and projects
Experience with aircraft fabrication/ or Similar Production Fabrication and assembly required or equivalent
Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners
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
Knowledge of proper drill speeds and feeds for materials being worked
Understanding of hole angularity and the importance of hole tolerances
Experience with hand tools, leading teams to ensure safety and correct drilling techniques in both composite and metal structures, including composite/metal stack-ups
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
Aircraft fabrication and assembly or equivalent experience
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
Willing to be clean shaven at any given time to wear a full-face respirator or similar
Ability to support scheduled work shifts, extended hours, and weekends if/when vital
Hands‐on aerospace manufacturing or auto industry a plus

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in a precision yet manual manufacturing setting strongly preferred
Experience with hand tools (torque wrenches, specialty tools etc.) a plus.
Experience with plumbing (fluid lines and fittings) a plus.
Experience with manual lathe and mill operation a plus.
Experienced with Quality Inspection points and process documentation.
A strong understanding of the importance of FOD control and tool control.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools a plus
Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems a plus
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
Willingness to be clean-shaven and wear respirator when necessary
Strong safety forward thinking, recognizes the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, chemicals, tools, etc.

Responsibilities

Assist with providing technical guidance to shop floor teammates
Work closely with Supervisor to ensure that daily milestones are met, forecast completion dates and estimate work package durations
Adhere to set directions and guidelines from Supervisor to support collaboration across teams to complete projects
Fabricate and assemble composite parts and sub-assemblies of varying complexities and sizes
Ability to safely and correctly utilize shop tools/machinery to include......(drills, die grinders, calipers, etc.)
Ability to safely and correctly; trim, bag, mix a variety of materials, composites, chemicals and resins.
Understanding and familiarity with use of adhesives, mixing/ratios or chemicals/resins to tight tolerances
Proven technical aptitude and experience
Work on complex or highly difficult manufacturing assignments, requiring judgement in resolving issues or in making recommendations
Must be willing to work in both a team environment and/or individually as circumstances dictate
Follow instructions precisely to complete complex assemblies accurately
Utilize computer skills to support manufacturing of product(s)
Ability to apply current skillset as well as a willingness to learn additional skills required to complete spacecraft integration operations
Encourage, coach and provide development and training opportunities for technicians
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks