Associate Test Technician

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical person to join our Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space! Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in all of our testing.

As an Associate Test Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will help build and operate test equipment that will verify components, subsystems, and systems of our spaceships, often as the last step before they are installed for flight. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to step into the aerospace industry, bringing your tenacity, enthusiasm, and thirst for knowledge to help us make future astronauts!

• Set up, calibrate, and fabricate test components and carry out laboratory, component, assembly, and vehicle testing.
• Assist in the design and fabrication of test fixtures and test setups.
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.
• Fabricate test article instrumentation, electro-mechanical assemblies, fluid and test equipment wire harnesses.
• Operation of test equipment (custom, materials, environmental chambers, altitude chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more).
• Collect test data and report results to designated managers and engineers.
• Prepare and conduct tests of composites for mechanical properties.
• Bonding and machining of test coupons.
• Assist engineers and other technicians on production and R&D test projects.
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.
• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a technician in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• A hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement is needed to support the airframe and systems test lab successfully.
• Strong safety work ethic – recognizes the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and tools, as well as working around highly energized systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Competent with mechanical hand tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas.
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications for work documentation.

• Experience in a test lab environment or in an aerospace, manufacturing, or similar controlled environment.
• Familiarity with electronics, pneumatics, and/or hydraulics.
• Experience with engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and/or instrumentation layout.
• Familiarity with the operation of saws, lathes, mills, and/or other mechanical tools.
• Familiarity with the operation of soldering irons, DMMs, scopes, function generators, power supplies, wire cutters/strippers/crimpers, and/or other electrical tools.
• Basic shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge.

• Must be able to work all shifts and be available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to travel as needed (10% Travel expected).
• Must be able to stand for extended periods (4 hours).
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Medium work: exerting up to 50lbs of force rarely, 20lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently to move objects.

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $44,554.00–$60,996.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into…