Journeyman Research Laboratory Mechanic (RLM) 2 - Materials & Structures Labs - INTERMITTENT

The Test Facilities Operation, Maintenance and Engineering (TFOME) contract at the NASA Glenn Research Center provides engineering and technical services in the aeronautics, space power and propulsion test facilities. We are currently looking for an experienced journeyman level mechanic to support our Materials & Structures Labs. This is an INTERMITTENT position. The Journeyman Level Mechanical Technician will provide provide a variety of mechanical support within the Material & Structures Labs. Perform hydraulic and pneumatic system fabrication and integration of test hardware and equipment. Knowledge and ability in the use of lab testing equipment. Working knowledge of pressure systems and safety protocols a must. Ability to perform facility maintenance and repairs as required. Work schedules may involve rotating shifts and overtime as needed.

FUNCTION OF POSITION

Performs mechanical-related technical assignments within a research laboratory test environment. This position will support operations of research test facilities by maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing research hardware and mechanical systems or equipment. This position creates value for the facility by performing preventative and corrective maintenance leading to increased uptime and reliability, thus helping the facility to meet quality testing goals.

Assists in the preparation and operation of the laboratory test apparatus or test equipment. Performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity, using operational precedents that are not fully applicable, such assignments that are typically parts of broader assignments, are screened to eliminate unusual design problems. May plan such assignments and receives technical advice from supervisor or engineer. Work is reviewed for technical adequacy (or conformity with instructions). This position may be assisted by lower level technicians and have frequent contact with professionals and others within the establishment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• May operate facility overhead crane, man-lifts, forklifts, and portable cranes. Provides rigging for lifting equipment and material, including lifting straps, chain hoists, and other lifting devices.
• May weld horizontally, overhead, and vertically using oxy-acetylene, AC-DC electric arc, M.I.G., and T.I.G. using a variety of material including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.
• May operate machine tools such as a drill press, power hacksaw, band saw, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, mills, and grinders. May operate small power tools including air wrenches, drills, grinders, etc.
• May lay out and build complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders.
• May disassemble, remove, repair, reassemble, and verify various types of valves, and pressure regulators. Must be familiar with an operating environment to ensure hardware materials are compatible with flow media properties including pressure and temperature.
• May operate hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas systems including gas tubers, pressure reduction stations, pressure pumps, and seals, etc.
• May work with and be required to have a basic understanding of environmental test chambers, mass spectrometer leak detectors, and vacuum systems.
• Assists in the installation and operation of intricate research test packages in various test facilities.
• May fabricate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical control test panels, and special test equipment. May operate, maintain, and calibrate leak detection systems.
• May perform general maintenance on mechanical vacuum pumping equipment, diffusion pumps, cryo-pumps, steam ejector systems, heat exchangers, and cryogenic systems.
• May perform inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment and facility operating systems. Make recommendations related to maintenance and repair of same.
• May fabricate, install, and operate cryogenic systems including liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or liquid helium.
• May develop or review designs by extracting and analyzing a variety of engineering data, applying conventional engineering practices to develop, prepare, or recommend designs, specifications, and parts lists. (Examples of designs include detailed mechanical diagrams; hardware fittings or test equipment involving a variety of mechanisms; conventional piping systems; and building site layouts).
• May conduct tests or experiments requiring selection and adaptation or modification of a wide variety of critical test equipment and test procedures, preparing and operating equipment, recording data, measuring and recording problems of significant complexity that sometimes require resolution at a higher level, and analyzes data and prepares test reports.
• May apply methods outlined by others to limited segments of research and development projects, constructing experimental or prototype models to meet engineering requirements; conducts tests or experiments and redesigns as necessary and recording and evaluating data and reports findings.
• Must have 8 years of verifiable NASA experience with a very strong understanding of the proper use of hand & machine tools; ability to assemble, repair and troubleshoot complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic systems; capable of reading mechanical prints & drawings; and working knowledge and use of lab testing equipment.
• Completion of a 4-year State approved apprenticeship program with a Journeyman’s certificate highly desired or have equivalent vocational school training with sufficient combined work experience and skills required to perform essential job functions.
• Technical understanding and working knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of research test facilities and associated equipment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervision.
• Ability to use own judgment and decisions to allow continuity of work flow.
• Must be self-motivated and a "Team Player" with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be able to organize time and assignments to properly prioritize efforts for maximum effectiveness.