Your Mission at Virgin Galactic
The Composite Technician supports our commercial spaceline department. The candidate must possess a high degree of integrity, professionalism, and discipline to work on our one-of-a-kind flight vehicles. The candidate must have an enthusiasm for the new space industry and be able to apply existing composite expertise experience within the spaceline maintenance operations development. This role is for a hands-on teammate with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.
This is a full-time contract position at Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space facility located at New Mexico Spaceport America complex, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
Contract up to 12 months. Multiple shifts available.
Responsibilities
· Responsible for accomplishing assigned modification and repair work on the space flight system vehicle composite structures.
· Perform precise trimming/drilling/finishing of composite structure component parts and assemblies.
· Assembly of composite structures including layup, bonding, and fastener applications.
· Perform surface preparations, hand abrade and power abrasion techniques within company process specification documentation and maintain precise measurements.
· Fabricate laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials per company process specification documentation.
· Prepare and manage parts for composite curing processes like bagging, placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections.
· Perform accurate calculations and processes for adhesive mixing ratios within company and manufacturing specifications.
· Perform general tolerance and dimensional calculations for layouts on parts or assemblies to establish reference points for composite material and components.
· Utilize measurement tools and devices such as calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches to execute work duties.
· Apply composite expertise to perform close tolerance scarf repairs whenever needed.
· Communicate and accurately document work in progress, including correctly recording required completed task and completed job signoffs per company documentation requirements.
* The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
Required Skills and Experience
· Must have a valid passport and able to obtain a driver’s license.
· Must be familiar with industry practices for composite assemblies and materials.
· Must be willing to travel and be on-call.
· Must be able to obtain an AOA badge.
Preferred Skills and Experience
· High school diploma or equivalent.
· Minimum 2 years of college level education preferred.
· Certifications or equivalent experience within aerospace and/or aviation composite applications.
· Minimum of 8 years working with carbon fiber and fiberglass composite materials, assemblies, and tooling spanning layup, trimming, drilling, surface prep, bonding and curing type operations.
· Must have the ability to assume responsibility for proper administration of policies and procedures.
· Must be able to work under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
· Must be able to work within confined spaces and unusual attitudes while executing composite work scope.
· Must display maturity of action and judgment.
· Good communication skills.
Physical and/or Additional Requirements
· Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces – 3+ hours min.
· Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
· Must be able to travel 25% or more of the time.
· Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
· Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted).
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.
The hourly rate (USD) range for this contract position is $42.00 - $47.00. The hourly rate actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity.
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.
EEO Statement
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.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol test.
