Aeromechanical Design Engineer – Metrology SME

Job Title

Aeromechanical Design Engineer – Metrology SME

Location

EDWARDS, CA 93523 US (Primary)

Category

Scientist

Job Type

Full-Time

Compensation Minimum (USD)

$95,000

Compensation Maximum (USD)

$120,000

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Citizenship Status Required

U.S. Citizen

Security Clearance Required

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Job Description

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

The Aeromechanical Design Engineer – Metrology Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides senior-level engineering support to the Operations Engineering Branch (Code 430) under NASA Armstrong’s Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract. This position serves as the Center’s technical expert in dimensional metrology using Romer Arm portable coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) and associated analysis software.

The engineer leads the planning, setup, and execution of precision measurement and alignment operations supporting aircraft modification, tooling verification, and structural integration. By integrating mechanical design expertise with hands-on metrology operations, this role ensures dimensional integrity, geometric accuracy, and flight-readiness compliance for experimental aircraft and ground-test systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary metrology authority for the Aeromechanical Design Group, focusing on Romer Arm (portable CMM) measurement operations and data processing.
• Plan and execute precision measurement tasks to validate airframe geometry, tooling interfaces, and component installation alignment.
• Develop and implement measurement workflows, including calibration, setup, feature definition, and coordinate-system alignment using Romer Arm equipment and software (e.g., PolyWorks, Verisurf, or SpatialAnalyzer).
• Interpret and apply GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5) to measurement planning, part verification, and tolerance analysis.
• Integrate metrology results with 3D CAD models (CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks) to support design verification and as-built model generation.
• Develop best practices and written procedures for Romer Arm operation, calibration, data handling, and traceability.
• Perform comparative analysis between design and measured data, identify dimensional deviations, and recommend corrective actions to design and fabrication teams.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers and technicians to plan measurement campaigns, establish datums, and verify mechanical installations during aircraft modification.
• Prepare technical documentation including inspection plans, dimensional-conformance reports, uncertainty statements, and calibration logs.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians in Romer Arm operation, software utilization, and measurement methodology.
• Participate in structural design reviews and fit-check validations, providing metrology data to ensure conformance and proper integration.
• Ensure compliance with NASA AFRC and ETSS requirements for safety, calibration control, and data integrity.

 

Work Environment & Schedule

On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB).
Typical Schedule: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period).
Hands-on work in hangar and laboratory environments; use of PPE and precision-handling equipment required.
Occasional travel or extended hours may be needed during active integration or test campaigns.

Key Benefits and Impact

• Directly support NASA’s flight research and experimental aircraft integration missions through precision measurement and verification.
• Advance metrology best practices within the Aeromechanical Design Group using state-of-the-art portable CMM technology.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and technicians on high-visibility aerospace research programs such as the X-59 Quesst and future demonstrators.
• Contribute to the development of digital-engineering and measurement standards for NASA’s next generation of flight programs.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant aerospace or mechanical-engineering experience (or 4 years with a Master’s degree) as defined by the ETSS Senior Engineer labor category.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Romer Arm portable CMM systems and metrology software (e.g., PolyWorks, Verisurf, or SpatialAnalyzer).
• Proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tolerance analysis, and precision-measurement planning.
• Experience integrating metrology data with 3D CAD models (CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks).
• Strong communication and technical-reporting skills with demonstrated collaboration in multidisciplinary environments.
• U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience supporting NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center or equivalent aerospace research programs.
• Advanced certification or formal training in portable CMM metrology or Romer Arm operation and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of model-based definition (MBD) and PLM data management systems.
• Experience developing uncertainty budgets and implementing calibration standards in accordance with ISO 10360.
• Familiarity with aerospace material properties, tooling concepts, and flight hardware integration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or oversee multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.