Lead Production Technician, Spaceship Propulsion

Who we are: Virgin Galactic, www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE), recognizes that the answers to many of the challenges we face in sustaining life on our beautiful but fragile planet, lie in making better use of space. Sending people to space has not only expanded our understanding of science, but taught us amazing things about human ingenuity, physiology and psychology. From space, we are able to look with a new perspective both outward and back. From space, the borders that are fought over on Earth are arbitrary lines. From space, it is clear that there is much more that unites us than divides us.
“We are at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and change the world for good.” Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic
If you are looking for a challenging opportunity that will ignite your passion for designing cool and innovative products, are exceptionally creative, are a great problem solver and can make things happen - apply today!Your Mission: VG is seeking a qualified Lead Technician with experience in composite and aerospace production to aide in the build of our Hybrid Rocket motor. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. They will work directly with both the shop supervisor and floor personnel in the manufacturing of our Hybrid Rocket motor. The lead in this position will help aide in daily work across shop floor, as well as coach and mentor peers on the team. Day to day will be looking to lead work using lean manufacturing practices a to create an efficient, organized, and lean factory.
The core responsibilities of the role include the following, although not limited to:

• Composites material handling: cutting, layup, weighing, measuring, bagging, etc.
• Assembly: bond prep via hand sanding, dry fitting components, hand working parts to fit, hand trimming, wet layup, applying adhesives, and fixturing/locating structure.
• Work with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to record job status, time spent, and material tracking
• Use of equipment such as gantry cranes to locate components
• Requires the ability follow and document complex processes.
• Forklift operations consisting of gathering and placing parts
• Filament and COPV winding a strong plus
• Reads blueprints and Service Repair Manuals as well as Manufacturing work instructions (MWI ).

What you bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience with composites or aircraft fabrication and assembly strongly preferred
• Experience in low production rate manufacturing program(s) from initial development through delivery to customer preferred.
• Competent to oversee and perform misc. assembly/ fabrication operations
• Demonstrates strong ability to lead a project to completion in a timely manner
• Daily attendance is essential for this position
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal, coaching and leadership skills
• A strong understanding of the importance, and use of FOD control and tool control
• Experienced with Quality Inspection points and process documentation
• Demonstrates and promotes exemplary work ethic and practices to ensure dept and team goals are met.
• Thinks outside of the box and finish jobs per schedule and demands
• Extreme attention to detail and continual pursuit of perfection
• Excellent listening and communication skills to supervisor and peers
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems
• Experience with hand tools (torque wrenches, specialty tools etc.)
• Inspires and displays safe and efficient work habits to team regularly.
• Strong safety work ethic – recognizes the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, chemicals, tools, etc.Physical and/or Additional Requirements
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted).

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current U.S. teammates, as well as all newly hired employees. As of October 1, 2021, all new hires must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, ( “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have expired since receiving the vaccination’s last dose as recommended by the manufacturer) . If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire.

Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.