GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

This position works as part of a team supporting several aerothermal/hypersonic material evaluation programs within the Department of Defense and NASA. Candidates with interest and expertise in the development of aerothermal screening facilities (arc jets, ICPs, microwave torches), convective heat transfer, or aerothermodynamics should apply. The candidate must be proficient in MATLAB and Labview and exhibit strong initiative and independence with demonstrated competency executing projects. An active DoD SECRET security clearance is a plus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design, commission, and maintain an aerothermal testing facility intended for rapid screening of refractory materials and thermal protection systems
• Develop instrumentation and control strategies for aerothermal facilities
• Plan and coordinate material testing in both internal and external high-enthalpy convective facilities
• Coordinate all results with team members
• Lead technical report composition in area of expertise
• Support off-site test execution
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of engineering discipline through familiarity with current engineering literature and state of technology in the field
• Support technical proposal composition

Other Job Functions

• Collaborate with team engineers on complex projects
• Manage personal schedule and prioritize work effectively
• Independently identifies problems and applies sound engineering judgement to arrive at solutions
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations
• Communicates results with concise, clear reporting
• Independently evaluates, selects, interprets, and applies standard engineering techniques, processes, and criteria, and uses judgment in making adaptations and modifications to research projects.
• Must demonstrate an ability to learn quickly in a complex, high technology environment
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system(s), ensures accuracy of reports through peer reviews
• Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives
• Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to the organizations intellectual capital.
• Communicates with Impact - Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience. Ideas are clearly defined in grammatically correct written communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET
• Bachelors degree in Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Engineering with a minimum of two years experience (other related programs will be considered)
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python and LabView
• Laboratory or equivalent experimental experience
• Coursework or experience in gas dynamics or compressible flow

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing DOD SECRET clearance
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing
• Masters degree in applied physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Engineering
• Demonstrated experience in the development of aerothermal or high-enthalpy facilities
• Knowledge of both flow control and vacuum systems

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment & Conditions

This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and could require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
• Protective shoes

Physical Demands

In performing the work for this position, the engineer must be able to:

• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.
• Walk for reasonable distances in performing the work.
• Occasionally lift / carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.
• Occasionally pull or push objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.