Lead, Propulsion Test Technician

Lead, Propulsion Test

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.

• 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

• 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 composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace applications.
• 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

• 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
• A valid state driver's license and passport is required

• Work location is in a desert environment; ability to work in hot/cold and harsh environments is required
• Ability to travel and be on-call
• Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed
• Abilit…