Specialist, Materials Test Technician - Composites

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical person 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 activities. As a Specialist Materials Manufacturing Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will focus on the activities surrounding the test of composite components and assemblies for our spaceships. You’ll bring your extensive expertise in materials testing to help ensure that novel materials, joints, bonding solutions and part designs meet exacting standards before they are accepted for use on next generation of spaceships! Responsibilities Execute tensile, torsion, compression, flexure and shear materials testing using equipment including (but not limited to) universal test equipmentCollect test data and report results to engineers, managers and executivesInterpret engineering drawings and follow Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) to ensure fabrication accuracy and qualityIdentify and implement process improvements for efficiency and qualityAdhere to set directions and guidelines from team leaders to support collaboration across teams to complete projectMonitor and control maintenance and calibration of test assets (custom, materials, environmental chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more)Monitor and control maintenance and calibration of test assets (universal test machines, thermal/humidity chambers)Occasional trim, machine and drill composite parts and test coupons to precise specificationsOccasional adhesive bonding of structural joints using paste adhesives and mechanical fastenersProvide mentorship and training to junior techniciansExecute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives Required Skills And Experience High School Diploma or equivalentMinimum of four (4) years of experience in composite materials testAbility to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digitalExtensive knowledge of and experience in lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, and oven/autoclave curingExperience with structural bonding using both adhesives and mechanical fastenersExperience with strain gauge bonding on composite test couponsProficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment, including saws, surface grinders, drills, pencil grinders, lathes, mills and other mechanical toolsShop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledgeDemonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow work instructionsA hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvementExperience in an Agile work environmentExecute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives Preferred Skills And Experience Familiarity with precision measurement tools (e.g. optical microscope, FTIR instrument, DGA instrument)Laboratory or industrial computer application proficiencyTechnical report writing skillsAtlassian product experience (Jira, Confluence)Strong safety forward-thinking, practicing good housekeeping and tool controlProven track record of process improvement and technical leadership Physical And/or Additional Requirements Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when neededMust 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 being able to maneuver in tight spacesMedium 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 $61,526.00–$87,516.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits Who We Are Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. 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, gender identity, 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 testing. Phoenix Employment Requirements For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.