Sr. Propulsion Test Technician
This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.
About the role
<p>Virgin Galactic has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Technician role in our Spaceship Propulsion team! Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The core responsibilities of the role include the following, although not limited to: </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Assist with development of Test systems and Test structures</li><li>Responsible for accomplishing assigned maintenance, preventive maintenance, and repair work on the rocket system test platform and all test components </li><li>Checks, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, removes, and installs all parts of Test article and Test fixtures, including propulsion systems, Electrical and Data recording equipment & instruments, fuel & pressurizing systems, and mechanical systems </li><li>Performs machine tool work and Metal fabrication in connection with the above mechanical and systems maintenance work </li><li>Accountable to complete and sign work records in connection with work performed</li><li>Operate propulsion ground support pressure systems during propellant loading operations</li><li>Inspects, dismantles, adjusts, overhauls, repairs, fabricates, assembles, removes, and installs all propulsion system components/assemblies, including electronic equipment & instruments, pressurization systems, and mechanical systems</li><li>Inspects parts, sub-assemblies and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish and approve own work </li><li>Will be required to, but not limited to work on base maintenance type workloads valid for the rocket systems test platform </li><li>Execute operational procedures for propellant/cryogens/pressurized gases loading</li><li>Assist with maintenance, repair and/or modification tasks for applicable propulsion system ground support equipment components</li><li>Willing to work in a Hazardous environment with High Energetic Materials</li><li>Basic clean room practices and processes for cleaning flight hardware components</li><li>Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></p><ul><li>Minimum 2 years of college level education and/or combination of work and education is required </li><li>Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship, and/or on the job training, experience is required </li><li>Minimum 3+ years line maintenance, Test site operations, test component and systems fabrication experience are required</li><li>Knowledge of high-pressure system components, connection types, fittings, etc.</li><li>Prior experience with Data collection, electronics and system fabrication is required</li><li>Familiarity with procedures applicable to the various phases of Test operations, systems fabrications, and maintenance</li><li>Prior experience with composite structures is preferred whether in commercial or military aerospace applications</li><li>Prior experience with rocket systems and associated solid and/or liquid propellants within a Test environment is required</li><li>Prior experience working with high pressure fluids & gaseous systems, fabrication of tubing and installation of associated components is required</li><li>FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P License) is preferred and/or Certifications of training or similar experience within aerospace, aviation or automotive is required</li><li>Ability to obtain an Airport Operations Area (AOA) badge, upon completion of required training</li><li>Eligibility to apply for ATF Employee Possessor permit to handle explosive materials</li><li>A valid state driver’s license and passport is required</li><li>Ability to drive commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and obtain a CDL </li><li>Ability to operate in confined spaces and over heights in fall protection/harnesses </li><li>Ability to work under tight deadlines and fast paced environment </li><li>Good communication skills </li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Physical and/or Additional Requirements</strong></p><ul><li>Work location is in a desert environment; ability to work in hot/cold and harsh environments is required </li><li>Ability to travel and be on-call </li><li>Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed</li><li>Ability to stand for extended periods – 9 hours at minimum</li><li>Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces</li><li>Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted) </li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p>#LI-AB1</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $53,040.00–$72,665.00. 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 <a title="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits" href="https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits">https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Who We Are</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">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</span><span style="color:#000099">.</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Export Requirements </span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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 <strong><u><a href="https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fofac.treasury.gov%2Fspecially-designated-nationals-list-data-formats-data-schemas&data=05%7C01%7CSandi.Kosaka%40virgingalactic.com%7C5c47d814f3664ac6bb2a08dbc1063575%7Ca9008a03b053484687d345880ffa31a1%7C0%7C0%7C638316004624246835%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=px2%2BAC1K7DW630GR8Iqm8cc2OQohKudkYOGJrZ%2FqKVw%3D&reserved=0">here</a></u></strong>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">EEO Statement</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Drug Free Workplace</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Phoenix Employment Requirements</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Accommodation Requests</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: <strong><a title="" href="mailto:VGTalent@virgingalactic.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VGTalent@virgingalactic.com</a> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Mandatory Notices</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hc" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights">Employee Polygraph Protection Act Rights</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6he" title="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/e-verify_participation_poster_eng_es.pdf" href="https://www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/2024-01/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf">E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hg" title="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/whd/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act">Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><a id="menur6hi" title="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_eeoc_knowyourrights6.12screenrdr.pdf" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal">Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal</a> </span></p>
Copied from the listing Virgin Galactic published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
About Virgin Galactic
Winged spaceships that carry people to the edge of space.
Similar open roles

Chemical Process Engineer - Thin Film (opens the job details)
E-Space · Technicians · Arlington, TX, United States· 9mo agoDetails

Integrated Program Planner Asc - E1 (opens the job details)
Lockheed Martin · Cape Canaveral, FL, United States· 1w agoDetails
$49,500–$91,900/yr
SAP TPM - Warehouse/Manufacturing, Amazon Leo (opens the job details)
Amazon Leo · Technicians · Bellevue, Washington, USA· 3mo agoDetails
$148,700–$201,200/yr
Welding Engineer - Materials & Process - Lunar Permanance (opens the job details)
Blue Origin · Technicians · Space Coast, FL, United States· 1w agoDetails

Automation & Controls Engineer, PCB (Starlink/Starmind) (opens the job details)
SpaceX · Technicians · Bastrop, TX, United States· 1d agoDetails
Experienced in Manufacturing & Technicians?
Space employers come to us looking for a particular skill, location or credential. Leave your details one time, at no cost, and we put you forward when a role matches, never without your yes.
Virgin Galactic openings, sent to your inbox
Each week we send what Virgin Galactic posted since the last email, with comparable openings at other space companies. No cost, and you can stop it with one click.
Hiring for Virgin Galactic? Feature this role to get a marked Featured slot above the lists and the lead place in the weekly job email for 30 days. Pricing:$99 for a single role, or $299 to cover every role you have open. To see who else is hiring your disciplines and at what pay, read the monthly space hiring brief.