ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Galactic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Engineer II, Stress

Tustin, CA · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit Who We Are Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

IT Support Specialist II

Tustin, CA · On-site

$58K - $80K/yr

As a key member of Virgin Galactic's IT team, the IT Support Specialist will deliver high-quality technical support to a dynamic, fast-paced organization. This role is responsible for administering ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical engineer to join our Materials & Process team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space! Guided by our values, "Safety above ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

IT Support Specialist I

Tustin, CA · On-site

$49K - $69K/yr

As a key member of Virgin Galactic's IT team, the IT Support Specialist will deliver high-quality technical support to a dynamic, fast-paced organization. This role is responsible for troubleshooting ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Specialist Engineer, Stress

Tustin, CA · On-site

$61.50 - $84.25/hr

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Stress Engineer eager to participate in innovative/unique aerospace vehicle design, build, test activities. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we ...

Tesla

Space Radiation Engineer, AI Hardware

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$160K - $414K/yr

Analyze and predict space radiation environments (trapped particles, solar events, galactic cosmic rays) for targeted orbital altitudes (LEO/MEO) * AI Hardware Hardening:Develop shielding and ...

previous page

Showing results 21-39

All JobsGalactic JobsGalactic Jobs in California

Galactic information

See California salary details

$28

$44

$80

How much do galactic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for galactic in California is $44.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.02 and $51.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a galactic job?

Galactic jobs generally refer to careers or roles related to the exploration, study, or commercialization of outer space and its contents, including galaxies, stars, and planets. These positions may exist within organizations like space agencies, aerospace companies, research institutions, or science fiction media. Common roles include astrophysicists, aerospace engineers, astronomers, and mission specialists. These jobs often require a strong background in science, engineering, or technology and a passion for discovering more about the universe. They play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and developing technologies for space exploration.

What are typical collaboration practices for a Galactic astronomer working within a research team?

Galactic astronomers often work as part of multidisciplinary research teams, collaborating closely with other astronomers, physicists, and data analysts. Daily responsibilities may involve group meetings to discuss observational data, coordinating telescope time, and sharing research findings. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as projects often span multiple institutions and require integrating data from various sources. Many teams also publish joint research papers and participate in international conferences to share progress and insights.

What are popular job titles related to Galactic jobs in California?

For Galactic jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Galactic jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Galactic jobs in California are:

Galactic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Galactic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Specialist Test Technician

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Virgin Galactic rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated technical person join our Test & Evaluation team to help get our next generation of spaceships to space! Guided by our values, "Safety above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in all of our testing activities.
As a Specialist Test Technician in the Test & Evaluation Department, you will help build and operate test equipment that will verify component, subsystems and systems of our spaceships, often as the last step before they are installed for flight. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. This is an exciting opportunity to step up, bringing your experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to help us make future astronauts!
Responsibilities
  • Fabricate test article instrumentation, electro-mechanical assemblies, fluid and test equipment wire harnesses
  • Set up, calibrate, and fabricate test components and carry out laboratory, component, assembly and vehicle testing
  • Operation and the supervision of operation, of test equipment (custom, materials, environmental chambers, altitude chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more)
  • Collect test data and report results to designated managers and engineers
  • Monitor and control maintenance of test assets (custom, materials, environmental chambers, altitude chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and more)
  • Strongly influence the design of test systems, fixtures and setups
  • Assist engineers and other technicians on production and R&D test projects
  • Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete project
  • Provide usage feedback of test systems to engineering for process improvement
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
  • Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives

Required Skills and Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of four (4) years of experience in testing components, subsystems and/or systems required or equivalent industry
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models on paper or digital
  • Experience with:
    • mechanical assembly fabrication from 3D models, 2D mechanical drawings, parts lists or cable harness fabrication from wire diagrams, layout drawings, parts lists;
    • test asset instrumentation with strain gages, load cells, pressure transducers
  • Experience with:
    • the operation of saws, lathes, mills and/or other mechanical tools
    • the operation of soldering irons, DMMs. scopes, function generators, power supplies, wire cutters/strippers/crimpers and/or other electrical tools
  • Structural and/or Systems test experience
  • Shop floor manufacturing and inspection technologies knowledge
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
  • A hands-on mentality and an emphasis on continuous improvement is needed to support the airframe and systems test lab successfully
  • Strong safety work ethic - recognizes the importance of properly handing hazardous materials and tools, as well as working around highly energized systems
  • Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems
  • Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow work instructions
  • Experience in an agile work environment

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience conducting environmental testing per DO-160, SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 environments (e.g. vibration, thermal, humidity, TVAC, waterproofness, proof pressure)
  • Familiarity with data acquisition and/or control hardware, NI cDAQ/cRIO/PXI preferred
  • Familiarity with NI FlexLogger
  • Familiarity with precision measurement tools
  • J-STD-001 or NASA-STD-8739.3 certification
  • Familiar with quality assurance processes, including non-destructive testing methods
  • Laboratory or industrial computer application proficiency
  • Technical report writing skills
  • Atlassian production experience (Jira, Confluence)
  • Demonstrated willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
  • Ability to collaborate on technical projects with fellow technicians, or interdepartmental functions to achieve goals or solve problems
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
  • Ability to get into the details, while maintaining a broader view
  • Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals
  • Familiarity with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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 travel as needed (10% Travel expected)
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods (4 hours)
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Medium work: exerting up to 50lbs of force rarely, 20lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently to move objects

#LI-MS1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $61,526.00-$87,516.00. 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 https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
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 .
Export Requirements
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 here .
EEO Statement
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.
Drug Free Workplace
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.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
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.

What Virgin Galactic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply