Research Operations Engineer

Job Title

Research Operations Engineer

Location

EDWARDS, CA 93523 US (Primary)

Category

Engineering, General Laborer

Job Type

Full-Time

Compensation Minimum (USD)

150,000

Compensation Maximum (USD)

180,000

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Citizenship Status Required

U.S. Citizen

Security Clearance Required

Secret

Job Description

This position provides support to the Operations Engineering Branch (Code 430) at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), which is instrumental in evaluating, coordinating, and implementing both project and maintenance operational requirements for all aircraft /flight vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and aircraft assets. Code 430 holds the technical authority for airworthiness and is thereby responsible for ensuring airworthiness of aircraft and its systems as well as mission success where AFRC has responsibility. In fulfilling this role, Code 430 leads and manages the aero-mechanical design, drawing, configuration control, integration, and system test for all aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. It also supports technical and programmatic risk assessment, evaluation and dispositioning of manufacturer maintenance deviations, mission planning, mission control/director, and advises flight operations concerning engineering and operational issues, as well as aircraft technical requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Successful candidate will

• Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and its systems as well as mission success where NASA AFRC has responsibility
• Serve as the NASA Armstrong Flight Operations Directorate representative for the project
• Perform market surveys to support component product selection, cost, availability, fit to requirements, delivery estimates, multiple sources, comparisons
• Prepare documentation as needed for procurement, Statement of Work, definition of spares, needed Peripheral product documentation (e.g., mounting dimensions drawing, signal I/O, schematics, functional descriptions/architecture, certifications, etc.)
• Conduct periodic work schedule meetings with engineering and flight operations personnel to integrate flight vehicle maintenance and configuration changes into detailed flight preparation schedules that will accomplish desired mission objectives andoperational requirements
• Develop or assist in the development of flight vehicle and UAS documentation to include:
  • Fact Sheets, Weight and Balance Worksheets, Procedures, Checklists, Flight Cards, Maintenance Plan, Emergency Procedures, and other project and/or aircraft procedure development/writing tasks, Hazard Analysis Reviews, Work Order System, cybersecurity plans, and other documentation and reports as requested
• Evaluate operational changes and modifications to ensure that the changes are consistent with operational capability of the flight vehicle/UAS
• Participate in the system safety process by identifying, evaluating, and documenting risks and implementing mitigations to assure airworthiness and mission success related to instruments, aircraft systems, experimental additions, proposed modifications effects, and the flight vehicle/UAS
• Perform airworthiness tests and analysis to the extent directed by Project or Flight Operations Directorate
• Act as the project’s Lead Flight Test Engineer with primary responsibilities of organizing test planning and leading and directing the data analysis plan
• Develop, perform and/or support briefings, preliminary and critical design reviews, peer reviews, and airworthiness processes
• Develop, review, and implement test plans, test procedures, checklists, etc. to facilitate aircraft operations in an efficient, safe and effective manner 
• Monitor mission performance during test flights, and maintain records such as maneuvers performed, time of day, data anomalies, vehicle fuel load and burn, flight pattern, and control room status
• Additional Responsibilities include:
  • Maintain Aircraft Configuration management (flight and maintenance manuals) as required including management and disposition of Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO), Airworthiness Directives, and Maintenance Directives (MDs) as required.
• Support and lead NASA aircraft safety processes
• Prepare and manage Certificate of Authorization (COAs)
• Perform airspace coordination within restricted airspace and National Airspace
• Participate and take on leadership roles in Operations Working Groups (OWGs), Mission Rule Working Groups (MRWGs), Systems Safety Working Groups (SSWGs)
• Analyze project objectives and requirements, develop plans for conducting projects, provide support for the project safety review process, including participation in the development of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, documentation of hazards, and the specification and implementation of mitigations to those hazards
• Review project instructions to ascertain requirements, specifications, procedures, objectives, equipment, nature of technical problem, and possible solutions
• Assist in the development of flight test plans and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) that include, but are not limited to, test conditions, maneuvers, contingencies for weather and other influences, required instrumentation, and methodology of data analysis
• Perform data analysis using post flight test data using various methods and software tools
• Mentor engineers in specific technical areas and/or the system engineering process and project management principles
• Perform work in accordance with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
• Follow the safe practices and rules contained in the Safety and Health plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the job
• Report status to Senior Technical Lead and/or Task Focal Point in standardized format on or before due date

*This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities.

Job Requirements

Must possess knowledge of military systems, radar systems, Multi-Monitor Run-Time Assurance (MMRTA) systems, air-data calibration test planning and analysis, and test planning and evaluation

• Preference will be given to candidates who are familiar with AFRC and all flight operations procedures and processes, vehicle assets, and program/project mission objectives
• Mastery of engineering principles and Systems Engineering processes
• Must be able to work and lead teams and efforts in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedules
• Must be able to manage and decompose requirements in specific technical areas Senior Test Conductor – Research Operations Engineer NASA AFRC – Edwards, CA
• Strong communications and ability to work in a team environment a must
• Must exercise a high degree of originality and sound judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts, guiding the analysis of unique problems
• May apply standard methodologies but is responsible for innovative thinking, problem solving, and independent judgment in resolving complex issues

EDUCATION
20 Years of Experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) – at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent.
18 Years of Experience OR a Masters Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) - at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent.
15 Years of Experience OR a PhD Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) - at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent.

 

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance
• Must pass drug testing
• Must be able to read and write effectively in English
• Must embrace safety principles to include; adhering to safe work practices and standards while performing daily tasks, taking responsibility for own and coworkers’ safekeeping and encouraging others to work safely
• Must maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner to get along with customers, clients, co-workers and management.
• Must perform work activities requiring interaction, negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others
• Must be able to work under supervision and respond appropriately and professionally to criticism from a supervisor
• With the exception of STD/LTD/FMLA/approved time off, attendance is considered essential
• Must be able to work 9/80 schedule (alternating Fridays off) and within core hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flexibility may be required based on workload
• Physical requirements – must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Travel requirements – some travel is anticipated both locally and long distance by car or plane
• Telework: The ability to work onsite daily is required and part-time telework is approved based on project needs

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.