Aerospace Engineer, AST, Flight Systems Test

Full Job Description

As an Aerospace Engineer with the Mechanical Engineering Branch, you will be responsible for thermal and fluid analysis of liquid, gas, and cryogenic liquid systems in the area of rocket propulsion testing.

You will work on project teams to support government and commercial customers who are testing engines and engine components at Stennis Space Center.

You will provide engineering solutions when problems arise and monitor corrective actions through completion.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work.

The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Performing thermal and fluid analysis of piping and tubing systems to determine flow characteristics of a system including changes in fluid pressure, temperature, and velocity through pipe/tube and pipe/tube components; Performing thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations to characterize heat and mass transfer in mechanical and/or energy systems; Analyzing test data to determine performance of fluid and/or energy systems.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Major Duties:

• Provides guidance on mechanical engineering design and fluid analysis work in the area of rocket propulsion testing.
• Analyzes cryogenic liquid, high pressure liquid and gas, pneumatic or hydraulic systems and provides recommendations for meeting customer requirements.
• Develops performance requirements and design criteria for evaluating propulsion test facilities including cryogenic and high-pressure propellant systems.
• Leads investigations to obtain baseline data for propulsion test system studies. Documents design process (i.e. design reviews) per procedures.
• Oversees fluid mechanical mathematical models of test facility pressurant, purge, and propellant systems in support of rocket propulsion test activities.
• Develops analytical and computational models of conventional fluid systems and high-pressure cryogenic propellant systems to evaluate and assess performance of the test facility.
• Identifies, investigates, and resolves standard problems in mechanical systems.
• Provides engineering solutions and technical consultation to civil servants and support contractors in the resolution and correction of field problems and monitors corrective actions through completion.