Lead Technician, Structures

Virgin Galactic•Gilbert, AZ

4d•$72,134 - $105,019•Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Lead Structures Technician to assist with the oversight of manufacturing technicians in Mesa. 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. Primary tasks will be associated with the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production of our spaceships air frame. This position will involve setting up assembly fixturing, drilling, fay sealing, fastener installation, trimming/fitting of components, and other dynamic and exciting spacecraft manufacturing operations. Maintain focus on timeliness, execution of tasks and deliverables every day. 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 on technical tasks and projects
Experience with aircraft fabrication and assembly required
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
Experience in both a precision and manual manufacturing environment strongly preferred
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

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of applying current manufacturing practices and willingness to learn cutting edge spacecraft manufacturing techniques and/ or Airframe & Power plant (A&P) training
Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners
Strong ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies and tools a plus
Strong ability to get into the details, while maintaining a broader view
Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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
Assist with supporting and leading the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration
Fabricate and assemble composite and metallic parts and sub-assemblies of varying complexities and sizes
Ability to safely and correctly utilize shop tools/machinery to include drills, die grinders, and calipers
Ability to safely and correctly drill a variety of hole sizes in both composite and metal structures, including stack-ups of dissimilar materials
Working hands-on with multiple fastener types including, but not limited to; Hi-Lite, Hi-Lok, Composi-Lok
Ensure teammates practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
Encourage and provide development and training opportunities for technicians
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks