Propulsion Technicians Supervisor

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking a technician supervisor with a background in rocket propulsion systems, preferably with hybrid or liquid propulsion. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Ideally the candidate will have a technical lead background in propulsion testing and/or flight operations. Experience with typical rocket propellants (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, cryogens, etc.) is a strong plus. 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. This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences, NM.

Responsibilities

The Propulsion Technician Supervisor’s main responsibility is to oversee and lead a team of technicians in the day-to-day flow of assembly, teardown, repair, maintenance, and modifications on propulsion systems. This includes Spaceship systems and related ground support equipment.

• Responsible for propulsion technician staffing, crew diligence and delivery of high quality of work.
• Coordinate with engineering and maintenance planning teams to develop, coordinate, and assess work tasks, flight schedule integration, and address all part requirements and availability.
• Responsible for crew welfare and for providing a safe and professional working environment.
• Work with Spaceship Crew Chiefs, Maintenance Programs and Engineering to review maintenance data reports and assist in work flow optimization planning.
• Completes and signs-off work records in connection with work performed.
• Perform rocket motor build up/tear down maintenance activities that entails instrumentation, ignition system, and mechanical systems removal/installations.
• Inspects, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, and assembles applicable Spaceship propulsion system components and/or assemblies in support of flight operation tempo and associated ground test events.
• Coordinate and lead maintenance, repair and/or modification tasks for applicable propulsion system ground support equipment.
• Coordinate definition of component maintenance manuals procedures and work instructions, applicable to the defined work scope.
• Provides training program definition with direct input of hands-on knowledge from the propulsion system via different mediums as appropriate.
• Lead and supervise work in a hazardous environment with high energetic materials.
• Supervises and maintains his/her operation toward its primary objectives by performing the preceding duties personally or through subordinates.
• Ensure teammates practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Coach, train, and transfer expertise to your team to drive projects to completion.
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of six years’ experience in an aerospace or equivalent high-reliability field with three years of leading others and/ or demonstrated ability to lead and train on technical concepts with 2 years in a leadership role
• A successful track record and experience with process improvement in maintenance and/or production environments
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills, ability to prioritize tasks and utilize available resources to accomplish company goals
• Good oral communication skills and ability to train others on the job
• Ability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Ability to pass the background check to obtain a US airport AOA and/or NMSA spaceport badge
• Willing to travel and be on-call in support of operational requirements
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License)
• 5 years of experience in propulsion testing and/or Spaceship flight operations
• 5 years in a leadership role
• 2 years of college level education, graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship
• Forklift operator
• Commercial Driver’s License
  
  

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 minimum
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and manoeuvre in tight spaces
• Must be able to work in extreme environments (low/high temperatures, windy, noisy)
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)
  
  

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $80,855.00–$123,342.00. 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.