Structures Test Engineer II

Role Overview

• Integrate, instrument, handle, and test rocket and spacecraft airframes to prove mission-worthiness
• Optimize and implement improvements in testing, component workflow, data review and automation
• Drive test stand efficiency by creating and implementing predictive data analytics
• Ownership of daily test stand operations
• Execute test plans and procedures on console, utilizing voice comms, data displays, and digital control systems
• Work directly with vehicle structural engineers to develop and release formal Test Plans
• Develop test procedures to validate the design and manufacture of airframe spaceflight worthiness
• Participate in resolving any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations
• Support failure and anomaly investigations
• Troubleshooting and resolution development
• Analyze and review data to ensure that test stand and test article are operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results
• Improve test efficiency by implementing automation and streamlining procedural processes
• Diagnose & rework small to medium problems on stand involving Fluid, Electrical, and Mechanical systems
• Plan and implement improvements to the test stand and testing process
• Develop and execute system validations, activations, upgrades and other tests required to ensure the stand is ready to support testing
• Work with Ground Support Equipment (GSE) engineers to optimize test and launch systems designs and operation
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for performance, reliability, and cost
• Subject Matter Expert for Test Stand Systems
• Provide mentorship to those with less experience
• Act as a source of truth for those systems when asked to solve new problems

Requirements

• BS in Engineering, Physics, or related engineering discipline
• 4 Years of relevant experience
• Works well in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment
• Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience with 3D and 2D CAD software
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and to be on your feet all day when required
• Ability to work on test stands and use standard mechanical and electrical tools
• Willingness to travel to support launch operations (Max, 25%)
• MS in Engineering, Physics, or related engineering discipline (desired)
• 12 Years of relevant experience (desired)
• Experience with multiple of the following: Hydraulic systems; power units, pumps, load cylinders / rams / actuators, proportional control valves, incompressible fluids.
• Load Cells, Pressure / Temperature sensors, Data Acquisition Systems.
• Has worked in a development or industrial testing environment: Wind Tunnel, Dyno, Batch Testing, Laboratory experiments.
• Propulsion testing, preferably with cryogenics
• Launch Vehicle testing or launch operations
• Designing test stands and/or test processes
• Working around or with lifting and transportation hardware, cranes, hoists, on/off road recovery services.
• Manufacturing or maintenance of automotive, marine, or aerospace systems
• Close loop control, PID control, PLCs, SCADA systems
• Hands on fabrication
• Welding / Fabrication / Machining / Circuits
• Automotive/ATV repair or restoration
• Good intuition for troubleshooting physical or software problems
• Expert understanding of fluid and combustion fundamentals
• Experience building, troubleshooting or operating fluid and electrical systems
• Ability to read, understand, and write technical drawings, including GD&T and P&IDs
• Independent, driven and able to develop solutions with minimal guidance and oversight
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
• Technical writing, good communicator, Adaptable to fast changing environments, takes initiative / ownership of projects big and small.
• Expert level knowledge and experience with data acquisition
• Instrumentation and instrumentation deployment methods
• Data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools
• Data analysis and processing up to and including custom code development and implementation

Benefits

• generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• parental leave
• educational reimbursement
• short term disability
• pet Insurance
• flexible PTO options