Aerospace / Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated aerospace/mechanical engineer to participate in the development of planetary analytical instruments under NASA research contracts, and in the development and sustained engineering of commercial products.

In this full-time position, the incumbent will participate in various aspects of engineering and will have the opportunity to apply his/her broad skill set in project management, system engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software programming and physics.

As part of a small and dynamic R&D team, the incumbent will perform a wide range of tasks such as: designing, building, and testing new systems and subsystems, interacting with vendors and collaborators, and participating in the writing of proposals and reports. The Aerospace Engineer is expected to have a “hands on” approach, to be able to perform independently, to timely report to leadership, to collaborate with team members, and to provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Current projects are focused on TRL 5/6 prototype completion and validation and could result in space flight in near-term opportunities.

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Manage technical tasks of NASA R&D projects. Ensure the timely development of the design, manufacturing and testing as established in the work plans.
• Support technical tasks of new product development and existing product design improvement.
• Mechanical design: develop and manage systems specifications documents to ensure their alignment with proposals goals, budget and timelines. Transform systems requirements into architecture options and hardware implementations. Evaluate and integrate complex components and subsystems, including optical components, sensors, mechanisms, PCBs and thermal solutions. Create and maintain original CAD (Solidworks) models and drawings. Apply engineering principles, analytical methods, commercial FEA solvers and databases to predict and ensure structural and thermal performance in expected space environment conditions.
• Create and maintain system architecture models and documentation.
• Manage component procurement and fabrication of prototypes, EM of flight systems and GSE. Work with suppliers and manufacturers of custom parts. Oversee fabrication and ensure proper quality of received components.
• Manage, document and execute systems integration, testing and troubleshooting.
• Manage, maintain, troubleshoot and customize cryo-vac and other test equipment to support prototypes and flight system test campaigns.
• Plan and execute Test and Validation of mid/high TRL systems (cryo-vac, shock and vib, EMI/EMC) to ensure components, subsystems and system performances meet the requirements.
• Develop or modify Python code for system control, data acquisition and data processing.
• Write procedures, reports and detailed technical documentation, including: systems architecture, assembly procedures, operation instructions, test plans, test reports, etc.
• Communicate results and reports to senior leaderships and PIs, engineering staff, external scientific collaborators and/or external agencies.
• Assist leadership and PIs in the preparation of proposals.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Systems engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in Aerospace engineering, preferably with Space-deployed systems.
• Strong knowledge and grasp of engineering and physics concepts.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Fluent in SolidWorks 3D modeling.
• Experienced with FEA modeling for thermal and structural analysis.
• Experienced with electronics integration and cabling.
• Experienced with high and ultra-high vacuum hardware and operation.
• Experienced with Python coding.
• Superior technical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to follow leadership guidance and mentor junior engineers or students.
• Skilled with high precision manual tasks.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire as required by law.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders.
• Perform bench activities while standing.
• Perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Execute high-precision manual tasks (excellent hand coordination and sharp vision required).
• Work in cleanrooms over extended periods wearing cleanroom apparel, face-mask, protective glasses and gloves.
• Sort, file paperwork, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $40.00 per hour

Work Location: In person