Specialist Technician, Structures

Virgin Galactic is seeking a highly motivated Structures Specialist Technician to support our Manufacturing team in Mesa. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in the design and assembly efforts.

Primary tasks will be associated with the unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production and assembly of our spaceships air frame. This position will involve setting up assembly fixturing, drilling, fay sealing, fastener installation, trimming/fitting of components, and other dynamic and exciting spacecraft manufacturing operations. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Night Shift (4:00pm – 2:30am)

• 4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Day Shift (6:00am – 4:30pm)
• 4/10 Onsite Thursday through Sunday Day Shift (6:00am – 4:30pm)

• Assist in leading and supporting the manufacturing team in installation, design, development, and testing of parts and technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration
• Fabricate and assemble Composite parts and assemblies of varying complexities and sizes
• Ability to safely and correctly Utilize Shop Tools/Machinery to include drills, die grinders, and calipers
• Ability to safely and correctly drill a variety of hole sizes in both composite and metal structures, including stack-ups of dissimilar materials
• Hands-on with multiple fastener types including, but not limited to;
  Hi-Lite, Hi-Lok, Composi-Lok
• Hands‐on aircraft manufacturing with either/both composite and metallic airframes
• Encourage and provide development opportunities for technicians utilizing coaching and leadership skills
• Responsible for training technicians on-the-job and through instructor led training to support the assembly requirements
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete project
• Ensure quality and efficiency of installations, including troubleshooting and may provide guidance in troubleshooting processes and concepts
• Adhere to assembly instructions to ensure accurate completion of complex project assemblies
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of four years’ experience as a technician in an aerospace or manufacturing industry and demonstrated ability to lead projects and provide technical training /guidance
• Understanding and familiarity with multiple types of fasteners
• Knowledge of proper drill speeds and feeds for materials being worked
• Understanding of hole angularity and the importance of hole tolerances
• Experience with leading projects and mentoring
• Experience with manufacturing-based ERP systems Required Skills And Experience
  • Knowledge of applying current manufacturing practices and willingness to learn cutting edge spacecraft manufacturing techniques and /or Airframe & Power plant (A&P) training preferred
  • Hands-on experience in a precision yet manual manufacturing setting strongly preferred
  • Use of hand drills, power feed drills (PFD), Jiffy/E-Tech tools, Setti Tec preferred
  • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
  • Strong ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful and open to other ideas
  • Ability to encourage and provide development training opportunities for technicians
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to…