Aerospace Engineer, AST, Flight Systems Test (Direct Hire)

Full Job Description

You will serve as a Project Manager and Operations Director in the Propulsion Test Office at NASA's White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) to ensure the safe performance of hot fire testing of propulsion hardware and integrated systems at ambient and altitude test conditions for NASA and other customers.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

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: Leading key aspects for testing aerospace components through analysis, design, fabrication, or testing; Conducting tests and/or reviewing data to evaluate performance; Performing and interpreting calculations, analyses, or computations on specialized information.

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:

• Performs project management of test programs to determine the effects of operational environments on propulsion hardware and systems and of key improvement projects for associated test facilities.
• Serves as Operations Director for multiple test systems, exercises final authority over NASA/contractor test team during hazardous testing/operations to ensure proper test discipline, adherence to approved WSTF procedures/safety requirements.
• Serves as the primary focal point for the team’s interaction with external organization, customers and stakeholders. Ensure coordination with other offices to establish content, cost, and schedule of products, deliverables, and services.
• Leads test projects through the various project phases from design and planning through implementation and finally closeout. Reviews status and implements appropriate actions to ensure test objectives are effectively attained.
• Manages the operations, maintenance, and test support activities associated with the altitude and ambient test systems in the WSTF 300 and 400 areas.
• Serves as an engineer assisting in the execution, study, design, and development of Test procedures, techniques, and equipment for testing materials, components, and rocket Propulsion systems.
• Participates in teams preparing/performing test and system readiness reviews, safety reviews, design reviews, source evaluations, failure investigation for projects in the office as well as outside of the office.