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.

Composite Assembly Technician  

Position Summary 

Virgin Orbit is seeking a Composite Assembly Technician  to support production activities at our Long Beach LauncherOne manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will be experienced in composites fabrication including hand lay-up and fiber winding in both development and production environments.  Familiarity with ply-cutting, trim and drill operations relating to carbon composite manufacturing within aerospace will be advantageous. It is expected that the successful candidate will be familiar with the operation of composites equipment such as ply-cutting tables, cure ovens, bagging systems, trim and drill tools.

Ideal candidates will have a work history that demonstrates the ability to support production successfully in an environment that requires exceptional attention to detail. This is a full-time position at our rocket factory in beautiful Long Beach, California.

• Maintain high standards of safety, quality and output consistent with the requirements of being a Virgin Orbit team member
• Hand lay-up of composite parts in line with development and production requirements
• Operate the fiber winding machine to support the fabrication of wound parts
• Work with and provide input to the development and manufacturing engineers to improve part manufacturability
• Trim and drill of composite parts in line with drawing requirements
• Load and unload parts into ovens and ensure cure cycles are correct
• Use of hand tools for the modifications of composite parts
• Ability to operate a laser tracking system
• Use of appropriate PPE when working around parts on the shop floor
• Support the implementation of the ERP system on the shop floor and recommend changes as required
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipment performance and team effectiveness
• Ability to train and lead team members, be willing to lead by example and jump in to help when required
• Help Virgin Orbit do our part to make the world a better place
• Constantly learn new things—and share them with your team members
• Perform other duties assigned

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

• 2 years prior experience in composite production is required
• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is required.
• Knowledge of composite fabrication methods and techniques including filament winding, hand lay-up, compression molding and VATRM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer)
• Experience with oven cure and autoclave cure
• 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
• 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.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time – 8 hours minimum.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted).
• Must be able to travel to (location) up to --% of the time.
• Valid CA driver’s license required with clean driving record.
• 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.

• Certifications or similar within aerospace, aviation or automotive
• Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship is highly desired
• Experience with new product introductions, lean manufacturing, cost and quality optimization on the production floor is highly desired
• Graduated from a technical college or other recognized apprenticeship
• Demonstrated experience in new product introductions within aerospace, aviation or automotive
• Knowledge and understanding of lean manufacturing
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Ability to use metrology equipment to measure parts such as romer arm and bench inspection equipment
• Creative problem solver, able to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Self-directed with excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in both R&D and production rate environments
• Ability to operate forklift truck and pallet jack
• Passion for space exploration and a firm belief in the utility of affordable access to space
• Ability to thrive as a ‘one person team’.
• Ability to add something unique and positive to our team.
• Generally high level of all-around awesomeness.

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. 

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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.