Journeyman Research Laboratory Mechanic (RLM) Technician - Vacuum Facilities

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 Vacuum Facilities. The Journeyman Level Mechanical Technician will apply technical knowledge to provide a variety of mechanical support within the Space Power Test Facilities. Train with existing contract technicians in areas such as ION Thruster hardware integration of Space Power related components into test chambers; Safe operation of test facility systems leading to the status of a qualified operator; Perform facility maintenance, troubleshooting, test buildup, and repairs as needed.

FUNCTION OF POSITION

Provide a variety of mechanical support within the Space Power Test Facilities. Train with existing contract technicians in areas such as ION Thruster hardware integration of Space Power related components into test chambers; Safe operation of test facility systems leading to the status of a qualified operator; Perform facility maintenance, troubleshooting, test buildup, and repairs as needed.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Strong ability to assemble, repair and troubleshoot mechanical, hydrailic, pnuematic systems a big plus.
• Capable of reading mechanical prints & drawings. Working knowlegde of tube bending and associated components for building complex gaseous panels or flow systems.
• May operate facility overhead crane, bucket trucks, man-lifts, forklifts, and portable cranes. Provides rigging for lifting equipment and material, including lifting straps, chain hoists, and come-alongs.
• 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 large mechanical tools such as a drill press, power hacksaw, band saw, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, and grinders. Operates small power tools including air wenches, drills, grinders, etc.
• May lay out and build complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders.
• May disassemble repairs, reassembles and verifies various types of valves, valve operators, and pressure regulators. Must be familiar with the 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 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 vaporizers.
• May perform inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment and facility operating systems. Make recommendations related to maintenance and repair of same.
• Good attention to detail and able to follow work instructions.
• Safety conscience wihile performing work duties.
• Must have a minimum of 4 years verifiable working experience as a Journeyman Level Mechanic such as a maintenance mechanic, machine repair technician. 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.
• Good understanding of the proper use of hand & machine tools. Strong ability to assemble, repair and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, vacuum, and cryo systems a big plus.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervision and to read mechanical prints and drawings. Must have working knowledge of tube bending and associated components for building complex gaseous panels or flow systems.
• 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.