Sr. Propulsion Test Technician

Virgin Galactic • Mojave, CA

6d • $53,040 - $72,665

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is hiring a Senior Technician for its Spaceship Propulsion team. The role supports test systems, test structures, propulsion hardware, and rocket-system test-platform operations, with safety as a primary priority. The technician performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, repair, fabrication, assembly, installation, and operational work on test articles, fixtures, propulsion systems, and associated equipment. Work includes operating ground-support pressure systems during propellant loading, following loading procedures for propellants, cryogens, and pressurized gases, and assisting with maintenance, repair, and modification of propulsion ground-support equipment. The role also involves completing work records, applying clean-room practices to flight-hardware components, and maintaining foreign-object-debris awareness and compliance with applicable rules and protocols.

The position is based in a desert environment and may involve hazardous environments with high-energetic materials, confined spaces, heights, and fall-protection equipment. The technician must be able to travel, be on call, work any shift, and work overtime or weekends when needed. The job requires standing for at least nine hours, maneuvering in tight spaces, and handling items up to 40 pounds without assistance. The annual U.S. base salary range is $53,040–$72,665. The posting also notes that other compensation and a range of medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided, depending on the position offered.

Requirements

• At least two years of college-level education and/or an equivalent combination of work and education.
• Graduation from a technical college or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and/or relevant on-the-job training and experience.
• At least three years of line maintenance, test-site operations, and test-component and systems-fabrication experience.
• Knowledge of high-pressure system components, connection types, fittings, and related equipment.
• Prior experience with data collection, electronics, and system fabrication.
• Familiarity with procedures applicable to phases of test operations, systems fabrication, and maintenance.
• Prior experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants in a test environment.
• Prior experience working with high-pressure fluid and gaseous systems, fabricating tubing, and installing associated components.
• Ability to obtain an Airport Operations Area badge upon completion of required training.
• Eligibility to apply for an ATF Employee Possessor permit to handle explosive materials.
• Valid state driver’s license and passport.
• Ability to drive commercial vehicles and heavy equipment and obtain a CDL.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights while using fall-protection equipment or harnesses.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to travel and be on call.
• Ability to work all shifts and overtime, including weekends when needed.
• Ability to stand for at least nine hours, stoop, bend, crawl, maneuver in tight spaces, and handle items weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and harsh conditions in a desert environment.
• Must satisfy the U.S. export-control eligibility requirements stated in the posting: be a U.S. Person or able to obtain required authorization, and not be included on the specified OFAC list.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with composite structures in commercial or military aerospace applications.
• FAA-approved Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license; alternatively, certifications of training or similar experience within aerospace, aviation, or automotive are identified as relevant.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of test systems and test structures.
• Perform assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repair work on the rocket-system test platform and its components.
• Inspect, dismantle, adjust, overhaul, repair, fabricate, remove, and install test-article and test-fixture components, including propulsion systems, electrical and data-recording equipment and instruments, fuel and pressurizing systems, and mechanical systems.
• Perform machine-tool work and metal fabrication related to mechanical and systems maintenance.
• Complete and sign work records for work performed.
• Operate propulsion ground-support pressure systems during propellant-loading operations.
• Inspect, dismantle, adjust, overhaul, repair, fabricate, assemble, remove, and install propulsion-system components and assemblies, including electronic equipment and instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems.
• Inspect parts, subassemblies, and completed assemblies as needed to determine, accomplish, and approve the technician’s own work.
• Perform base-maintenance-type workloads applicable to the rocket-systems test platform.
• Execute operational procedures for loading propellants, cryogens, and pressurized gases.
• Assist with maintenance, repair, and modification of applicable propulsion-system ground-support equipment components.
• Apply basic clean-room practices and processes when cleaning flight-hardware components.
• Practice safe behavior and foreign-object-debris awareness and prevention, and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.

Benefits

• The posting states that a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided, depending on the position offered; it directs applicants to the company benefits page for details.
• 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: Associate degree