Specialist, Materials Test Technician

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 equipment
• Collect test data and report results to engineers, managers and executives
• Interpret engineering drawings and follow Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) to ensure fabrication accuracy and quality
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and quality
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leaders to support collaboration across teams to complete project
• Monitor 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 specifications
• Occasional adhesive bonding of structural joints using paste adhesives and mechanical fasteners
• Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians
• Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in composite materials test
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in lay-up procedures, vacuum bagging, and oven/autoclave curing
• Experience with structural bonding using both adhesives and mechanical fasteners
• Experience with strain gauge bonding on composite test coupons
• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and composite machining equipment, including saws, surface grinders, drills, pencil grinders, lathes, mills and other mechanical tools
• Shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow work instructions
• A hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement
• Experience in an Agile work environment
• Execute 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 proficiency
• Technical report writing skills
• Atlassian product experience (Jira, Confluence)
• Strong safety forward-thinking, practicing good housekeeping and tool control
• Proven 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 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 being able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Medium work: exerting up to 50lbs of force rarely, 20lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently to move objects

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The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $61,526.00–$87,51