Materials Test Engineer

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Overview:

The Materials Science and Metallurgy Branch serving the Materials and Processes Laboratory (EM31) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL has an opening for a Materials Test Engineer. This materials engineering role will be part of a small, but high performing team including engineers, technicians, and interns. As a contributor on this team, the selected individual will provide support for formulation, development and testing of prototype and proto-flight hardware for demonstration of sub-orbital laser beam welding in a vacuum. This includes hardware configuration development, design and production, materials testing and installation of all testing instrumentation. Instrumentation components to be developed, fabricated, and tested include vacuum pressure chambers, accelerometers, spectrometers, digital cameras, laser weld fixtures and laser viewing windows. Be a part of our team, as we support the exciting challenge to return mankind back to the Moon and beyond.

Responsibilities:

The Materials Test Engineer:

• Serves as a technical specialist in conducting in-house application research and development efforts in support of laser-bending experimentation, laser beam weld vacuum fixture design and programming of robotics.
• Formulates hardware design processes and evaluates the design and experimentation of laser beam welding under vacuum, at atmosphere and in inert gas environments.
• Works according to standard operating and safety procedures and develops them.
• Collaborates on a multi-disciplinary team to achieve project success and delivery in a specified timescale.
• Develops test plans and assists providing oversight for the processing and manufacturing of prospective payload experimentation.
• Uses computers and computer software daily to generate reports, gather data and communicate test results.
• Interfaces with Engineering and Science Services Capabilities Augmentation (ESSCA) engineers, ESSCA technicians, and NASA customers as part of their daily duties.

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or related field is required. Degree from an ABET-accredited university is preferred. Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a minimum of a Ph.D, Master's degree 3 years of experience, or BS with 5 years of experience.

The candidate is required to have outstanding technical experience or qualifications in one or more of the following areas:

• Strong knowledge and background in Mechanical Science and Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Proficiency in the operation of mechanical/electrical design lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, soldering irons, PLC's and traditional hand tools.
• Proficiency in electrical, electro-mechanical, and/or mechanical design & integration.
• Highly organized with demonstrated skills to simultaneously coordinate and manage multiple projects to full completion.
• Adapting to the changing environments of technology development, while maintaining and gaining certifications for critical processes.
• Working in a team environment with other technicians and engineers, providing ideas and recommendations on improving design, testing, operation and safety.
• Proficiency with using computers and applicable software to gather, store and recall testing data and communicate testing results and reports. Implement machine commands for test execution and data collection.
• Must be a self-starter and nimble problem-solver with a design mindset.
• Communicating verbally and in writing: work, design status, test results, problems, and proposed actions with engineers, customers, and government representatives. Ability to thoroughly document findings and actions is essential.

A highly qualified candidate will have some or all of the following experience:

• Background in robotics, laser beam welding, design and manufacturing of hardware specifically in relation to Payload Development.
• Proficiency in digital photography and videographic data capture in a lab environment.
• Independently troubleshooting laboratory research materials problems, identifying appropriate corrective actions, and implementing corrective actions upon approval.
• Production and testing of aerospace hardware.
• Project management and manufacturing process control.
• ASTM test methods concerning materials compatibility and analysis.
• Knowledge of laser bending/forming and welding.

Essential Functions:

Physical Environment:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Requires sitting at a desk to write reports and perform engineering task activities (10%). Requires walking, standing, lifting, bending in a lab environment with hazards that require wearing safety glasses, hearing protection, foot protection, gloves, and other personal protective equipment to perform some operations (80%). Work will be performed on-site at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center (100%).

Work Requirements:

General office environment (60%), lab environment (40%). Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Travel may be necessary, but infrequent (

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%). Requires the ability to operate materials test equipment (50%).

Attendance:

Normal workday is from 6:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Overtime during the week and weekends may be required to meet schedules (50% max). Attendance and being prompt is important to provide continuous service to the customer; adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences is required. Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory for meetings and other planned occasions. (100%).

Other Essential Functions:

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

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