Virgin Galactic www.VirginGalactic.com (SPCE:NYSE)

Virgin Galactic 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 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!

We are seeking an experienced Propulsion System Production Technician to join our dynamic Rocket Motor Production Team.  As a Propulsion System Production Technician, you will have a unique opportunity to build our world class Rocket Motor which powers our Spaceship to space!  We are looking for Production Technicians who have a passion for being hands with great attention to detail coupled with excellent people skills.  As you join our team you will be expected to quickly learn, adapt and understand our unique bonding and assembly processes used in the production of our hybrid rocket motors.  The technician in this position will work from engineering drawings and detailed work instructions to fabricate top quality propulsion components. You will find yourself amongst the best and brightest while being part of a pioneering ourorganization!  Some of your key roles will include:

Composites parts fabrication and repair:

• Cutting composite fabrics and rubbers, laying up composite fabrics and rubbers by hand in molds to fabricate spaceship rocket motor and launch vehicle parts.
• Assembly of tools to be used for injection molding parts to be consumed in
• Use of weighing scales to properly ratio resins to hardener and to track material weights consumed by the part.
• Measuring and placing stations on tooling mold surfaces to locate composite fabric plies per engineering drawings.
• Vacuum bagging of parts per
• Identifies acceptable defects. Uses applicable inspection criteria for non-destructive
• Operates curing ovens/autoclave and monitors cycle

Assembly:

•  
• Hand sanding composite surfaces.
• Dry fitting components.
• Hand finishing parts to fit including hand trimming.
• Fixing/locating structure.
• Use of equipment such as gantry cranes to locate
• Forklift operations consisting of gathering and placing parts.
• Follow instructions precisely to complete complex assemblies

Bonding:

• Use adhesives.
• Co-curing and secondary
• Surface preparations utilizing curing temperatures and cleanliness.

Filament Winding:

• Carbon Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Winding experience
• Programming experience using SimWind, FlexWind, and/or FiberGrafix

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience with composites or aircraft fabrication, including hands-on experience in a precision yet manual manufacturing setting
• Thinks outside of the box and finish jobs on time per the production schedule.
• Must be able to take direction well and is a strong team player.
• Extreme attention to detail and continual pursuit of perfection.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills.
• Strong safety work ethic – recognizes the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, chemicals, tools, etc.
• Enjoys manual/physical labor.
• Must be comfortable working in a non-temperature controlled environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with component fabrication or aircraft assembly
• Experience with and in Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Experience with hand tools (torque wrenches, specialty tools etc.)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophies.
• Experience with hand tools (torque wrenches, specialty tools etc.)
• Experience with plumbing (fluid lines and fittings)
• Experience with manual lathe and mill operations.

Physical and/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours min.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted). 

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.

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.