Wind Tunnel Test Engineer

Overview

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies. We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems. Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at NASA’s Langley Research Center.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Responsibilities

Plans, executes, and closes out discrete wind tunnel test programs for various customers. Leads teams of engineers and technicians to accomplish these test programs. Establishes test timeline, manages all test-related data and documentation, and evaluates final test data for quality and completeness. Duties also include identifying and implementing process improvements, determining required facility upgrades, and producing/delivering technical papers and presentations when warranted.

• Performs a variety of routine engineering tasks designed to provide experience and familiarization with engineering methods, practices, and programs
• Applies commonly used equations and techniques to solve assigned problems
• Applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks
• May perform specific and limited engineering tasks of a broader assignment
• Prepares computations, specifications, and reports of limited scope and complexity
• Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria; makes minor adaptations and modifications as required
• Independently performs a project assignment that involves some complex features and can be guided by codes, standards, procedures, and other precedents of discipline
• Evaluates the results of an analysis using techniques prescribed by senior engineers or supervisors
• Accomplishes complete tasks of limited scope and solves problems which require investigation of a limited number of variables

Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship Required. BS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics from an ABET accredited engineering school one (1) to two (2) years engineering experience, or MS degree from ABET college or university. Must have ability to lead team in preparing and conducting wind tunnel tests of scale models; to maintain good interpersonal relations with test team members (including test customer personnel) while meeting time, quality, and cost requirements; to recognize the importance of customer relations; to respond properly to changing customer needs; and to multi-process inputs with a coherent output during test periods. Prefer experience in fluid mechanics, instrumentation, data acquisition, analysis, and documentation.

Essential Functions:
Work Environment:
Office Environment (45%) Test Environment- May be exposed to areas of high noise levels, hazardous propellants, chemicals, and industrial facility environments (45%) Travel between various facilities/test operations is required (10%)

Physical Requirements:
Must have sufficient mobility to enter all areas of test facilities; crawl, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, ability to work at elevated levels on platforms and scaffolding, etc. (20%). Must be able to walk, stand, bend, twist and sit for extended periods as well as climb, crawl, and lift up to 35 lbs.

Equipment and Machines:
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.) with knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc. (50%), Safety and personal protective equipment (20%).

Attendance:
Regular attendance mandatory (100%), Overtime/work outside normal schedule required (<20%)

Other Essential Functions:
U.S. Citizenship required. A valid driver’s license is required. Must be able to work in a team atmosphere. Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety/risk hazard to the employee or others. Must be able to balance scope, schedule and budget to ensure project success. The work environment requires the ability to cooperate and work with individuals at all levels of the company and the client. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.