SpaceWrench (A&P Mechanic), Avionics Technician

Avionics Technician/A&P Technician (Space Wrench)

Virgin Galactic (VG) is seeking an experienced Avionics Technician/A&P Technician (Space Wrench) to support our commercial space operations department. The candidate must have a desire to learn something new, enthusiasm for the new space industry and be able to mix existing aerospace experience with Spaceline maintenance development. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. This is a full-time position at Virgin Galactic's aerospace Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Work Schedules available:

• 4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Day Shift (6:00am 4:30pm)
• 4/10 Onsite Monday through Thursday Night Shift (4:00pm 2:30am)
• 4/10 Onsite Thursday through Sunday Day Shift (6:00am 4:30pm)
• 4/10 Onsite Thursday through Sunday Night Shift (4:00pm 2:30am)

Work Location & Temporary Assignment requirements:

We are hiring this role in Las Cruses (Truth or Consequences), NM on a full-time basis, however, for the first 6 to 11 months of employment, you will be required to be based in Mesa, AZ on a temporary assignment at our Spaceship Factory supporting our manufacturing team building Spaceships. During your temporary assignment, Virgin Galactic will pay for all living and travel expenses. At the end of your assignment, you will go back to your full-time location to maintain and operate our vehicles during flight operations in Las Cruses (Truth or Consequences), NM. Relocation assistance available to move to Las Cruces, NM area.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for accomplishing assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance and repair work on the Space Flight System vehicles.
• Checks, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, removes and installs all parts of aircraft, including propulsion systems (turbine & rocket), avionics equipment & instruments, fuel systems, ECS systems, life support systems and mechanical systems and hydraulic systems.
• Performs machine tool work and/or composite repair work in connection with the above mechanic maintenance work.
• Properly utilize avionics test equipment and associated hand tools to perform systems test/maintenance and keep abreast of new and advanced test equipment as well as the use of such equipment.
• Shall be required to return an aircraft to service after maintenance had been performed as allowed by the Spaceline GMM and the privileges of the airframe and powerplant license.
• Shall be required to complete and sign work records in connection with work performed.
• Inspects aircraft, parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies.
• Assist with development and improvement of maintenance manual definition for vehicle systems and structures.
• Assist with the continual enhancement of the Spaceline GMM.
• Will be required to, but not limited to, work on base maintenance type workloads for the Spaceline vehicles.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A valid FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License).
• A valid passport and able to obtain a driver's license.
• Firm grasp of procedures applicable to the various phases of maintenance.
• Must have strong working knowledge of Avionic systems and their operation and the proven ability to troubleshoot problems
• Willing to travel and be on-call.
• Qualified to obtain Air Operations Area (AOA) access.
• The ability to assume responsibility for the administration of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated aptitude to work under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Display's maturity of action and judgment.
• Good communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of college level education preferred.
• Certifications or specialized training with application to aerospace/aviation technologies.
• Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship program.
• Minimum 3 years line maintenance experience, 5-10 years experience is preferred.
• Experience on narrow body and/or business jet aircraft.
• Experience with composite aircraft (commercial or military aerospace application).
• Experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants.

Physical and/or Additional Requirements:

• Work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Travel 25% or more of the time.
• Stand for extended periods 8 hours min.
• Stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces- 3+ hours min.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted).