Propulsion Components Test Technician, Multiple Shifts Available

At Virgin Orbit, we are launching the small satellite revolution, enabling missions that were previously unimaginable. We are delivering Virgin’s legendary customer experience by combining advanced technology with a diligent, hard-working team. We have built a workplace and a workforce of the future, knowing that our decisions and investments of today are launching the industries of tomorrow. We have engaged a diverse and inclusive community of doers and dreamers alike, empowering all those working today to build satellites and constellations that will change the world.

At Virgin Orbit, we are opening space for good. Search all of our job openings on our career portal.

Position Summary

Virgin Orbit (VO) is seeking a new member for our team to serve as a Propulsion Components Test Technician. If you join us in this position, you'll join a small team to assist engineers preparing for and operating development, acceptance, and qualification tests for the valves, regulators, actuators, and other widgets for the LauncherOne small satellite launch program. This role will be reporting to the Propulsion Components Manager and is a hands-on position with great attention to detail and diligence. This is a full time position at our rocket factory in beautiful Long Beach, California.

Your Mission

• Execute test plans independently or with support from test engineers
• Build and troubleshoot test setups and fixturing
• Maintain test facilities
• Run and maintain a Thermatron
• Run and maintain test panels and containment carts up to 10,000 psi
• Run and maintain DAQ systems
• Support Vibe testing
• Run and maintain Cryo testing and test equipment
• Help Virgin Orbit do our part to make the world a better place
• Constantly learn new things—and share them with your team members
• Performs other duties as assigned

What you bring

If you want to join us, you’d better have all of these…

• 3+ years of aerospace technician work history
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
• Driven, highly motivated, and committed to improvement
• Ability to add something unique and positive to our team
• Generally high level of all-around awesomeness
• Must be able to stand for extended periods - 8 hours minimum
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted)
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)
• Must be able to work varying hours/shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
• Passion for space exploration and a firm belief in the utility of affordable access to space.
• Ability and desire to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.
• Self-driven, highly motivated, and committed to improvement, inter-team communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Must be able to provide proof of US-approved Covid-19 full vaccination status, unless otherwise exempted by an approved reasonable medical or religious accommodation from Virgin Orbit.

… and you should probably have a bunch of these, too.

• Experience following and executing test plans safely
• Literacy in fluid schematics/P&IDs
• Fabrication and assembly skills for tubing, fittings (e.g. flare, compression), and fixtures
• Understanding of the functions and safe operation of valves, regulators, actuators, and seals
• Hazardous fluid testing experience (e.g. high pressure, cryogenic, vibration, shock)
• Operation of benchtop test stands (e.g. leak check carts, water flow, thermal chambers)
• Passion for space exploration and a firm belief in the utility of affordable access to space

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Personal Requirements

Our idea of a happy life: build rockets, work with brilliant people, serve purposeful customers, and open access to space. Sir Richard Branson’s belief is “If you get the perfect mix of people working for your company, you have a far greater chance of success.” From the very start, we have placed top priority on growing and fostering a team of creative, diverse, and talented women and men.

Virgin Orbit is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Orbit 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

COVID-19 considerations:
Must be able to provide proof of US-approved Covid-19 full vaccination status, unless otherwise exempted by an approved reasonable medical or religious accommodation from Virgin Orbit.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Long Beach, CA 90808: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Aerospace industry: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person