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.

Avionics Technician

Position Summary

Virgin Orbit (VO) is seeking a new member for our team to serve as an Avionics Technician.  If you join us in this position, you will 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 Orbit's aerospace facility in Mojave, CA. This role will support the LauncherOne small satellite launch program. 

• Understand and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical assembly drawings for PCBAs and harnesses.
• Support debug PCBA’s with test equipment including Oscilloscopes, Multi Meters, power supplies, etc, perform surface mount assembly including removal and replacement of components.
• Fabricate harnesses to support engineering development tests and troubleshooting.
• Perform functional testing engineering setups and hardware using both manual and automated tests setup, evaluating analog, digital and RF signals.
• Support from engineering development to production including assembly and test.
• Support functional test through environmental testing including thermal, vibe, TVac, etc, as well as the transition to production personnel.
• Help assembly new designs including PCBAs, test harnesses, test boxes and test racks – this will include soldering, cutting and crimping harnesses, building mechanical assemblies and  as well as fabricating and modifying metal and plastic enclosures.
• Perform checkouts on test assemblies to ensure proper functionality.
• Use lessons learned to provide feedback to engineering to improve designs and processes and to write assembly and test procedures.
• 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

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

• HS Diploma or GED required
• 2+ years of experience as an Avionics Technician

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

• 5+ years’ experience in related field
• Strong electrical and RF theoretical skills are required
• Familiarity with manual operation of test equipment with no automated control
• Able to assemble and troubleshoot PCBA’s to component level and to assemble, test and troubleshoot harnesses
• Able to operate environmental test equipment, such as thermal chambers
• Must be able to use power tools for modifying mechanical assemblies, such as power drills, table saws, etc
• Must be able to interpret electronic and harness schematics
• Must be able to operate standard electronics lab equipment, including Oscilloscope’s, Multi Meters, Logic Analyzers, Signal Generators, Power Supplies, etc
• Experienced in basic office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must have great communication abilities to work well with engineering and production

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 at 8+ hours at a time
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs (unassisted)

At Virgin Orbit, we are STRAIGHT UP, which means we encourage honest and transparent communication. Our goal is to help you interpret the pay range you see and understand that compensation is much more than simply base pay.  Individual compensation packages are based on candidate-unique attributes, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.  Cash compensation is only part of the total reward package, and the range reflects a strong market-based salary.  Some jobs may also be eligible for bonus, overtime pay, weekend work compensation and differentials.  In addition to cash compensation, all Virgin Orbit teammates are eligible for equity which includes stock options and/or RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). 

At Virgin Orbit, you work alongside some of the best and brightest, on the coolest premier dedicated small satellite launch service.  We also know that benefits and belonging are an important piece of your total rewards package.  At Virgin Orbit we offer some of the best around:

• Robust time off with holiday shut down between Christmas and New Year
• Better than market 401k including a Safe Harbor plan
• Superior health and welfare benefits offering an average 90% of benefits premiums paid, including some plans with zero employee contributions
• Financial wellness through Northstar which includes your personal financial advisor
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• A variety of optional benefits such as pet insurance and discounts, and remote and/or hybrid opportunity for some positions
• Health Reimbursement program providing up to $3,000 max per year for eligible teammates 
• Employee Resource Groups, Virgin cultural gatherings and success celebrations, professional growth opportunities, and more!

At Virgin Orbit, pay and total rewards is about offering competitive programs for any stage of your life and career. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs and reward our teammates and we update our benefits offerings regularly.

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.