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

Full Job Description

You will serve as a Project Manager in the Materials and Components Laboratory Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility to ensure the safe performance of material and component analysis and testing for NASA and other customers.

Core capabilities include: Propellants and Aerospace Fluids Testing and Analysis; Oxygen Systems Testing and Analysis; Hypervelocity Impact Testing (Micrometioroid and Orbital Debris); Composite Pressure Systems Testing and Analysis; and Flight Acceptance Standard Test.

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: Performing testing of materials, components, or systems using analytical, experimental, or computational methods.

Performing and interpreting data, calculations, or analyses on specialized information.

Advising on and providing recommendations or solutions to address test or experiment design or to resolve a variety of testing problems or issues.

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 and analysis activities to determine effects of operational environments on materials, components and systems which may include hypergolic propellants, oxygen, hydrogen, green propellants, and high pressure gases.
• Serves as the primary focal point for the team’s interaction with external organizations, customers and stakeholders. Ensures coordination with other offices to establish content, cost, and schedule of products, deliverables, and services.
• Manages the operations, maintenance, and test support activities in the labs and facilities associated with the four core capabilities including developing and implementing key improvements.
• Leads projects through the various phases from design and planning through implementation and finally closeout. Reviews status and implements appropriate actions to ensure test objectives are effectively attained.
• Serves as an engineer/scientist assisting in the study, design, development, and execution of operations and maintenance associated with the four core capabilities.
• Exercises expertise to ensure test objectives are met and to ensure hazardous testing/operations adhere to approved WSTF procedures and safety requirements.
• 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.