Lead, Propulsion Test Technician

Virgin Galactic•Mojave, CA

6d•$72,134 - $105,019•Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic has an exciting opportunity for a Lead, Propulsion Test 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. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Requirements

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 5+ years line maintenance, Test site operations, test component and systems fabrication experience are required
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 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
Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
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
A valid state driver’s license and passport is required

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace applications.
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

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of Test systems and Test structures
Lead technicians to accomplish 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
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and protocols, conducting regular inspections and risk assessments, and implementation of PPE to maintain a safe working environment
Accountable to complete and sign work records in connection with work performed
Inspects, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, assembles, removes, and installs all propulsion system components/assemblies, including electronic equipment & instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems
Inspect parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish and approve own work
Responsible for operational procedures for propellant/cryogens/pressurized gases loading
Will be required to, but not limited to work on base maintenance type workloads valid for the rocket systems test platform
Coach, train, set directions and guidelines for the team to support collaboration across team members to drive projects to completion
Be an example of safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
Willing to work in a Hazardous environment with High Energetic Materials