Specialist, Propulsion System/Rocket Test Engineer

Job Title: Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer

Job ID: 37490

Job Location: Orange, VA

Job Schedule: Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineers work with customers, program managers and project engineers to define test objectives and identify and select test methods and instrumentation for propulsion systems / rocket motors and their components. They then create plans and procedures for safely conducting these tests, utilizing existing test facilities and equipment, and/or designing new tools or techniques. Test engineers tackle a variety of problems and use a wide range of engineering skills, from mechanical and aerospace to electrical and software. Types of tests include static rocket motor firings, case proof and burst pressure testing, case structural loads testing, direct-connect ramjet/scramjet testing, aeroheat material testing, dynamic/environmental testing, and high-altitude simulation (vacuum) testing.

Essential Functions:

Under general supervision:

• 40% - Test Planning - Plan, devise and prepare test methods, instrumentation and tooling, applying extensive testing technical expertise. Interface with Design/Project Engineering to develop/interpret test requirements. Work with Quality and Safety to ensure test methods meet customer and government requirements/regulations. Identify/specify facility configurations to meet test requirements. Design test fixtures or identify existing test tooling to interface with test articles.
• 30% - Test Execution - Conduct, oversee and support test operations in accordance with safety and quality policy and procedures, maintaining overall technical control of test programs. May include physical/mechanical hardware setup, instrumentation calibration and setup, electrical/controls setup, test article prep, control software input preparation, etc. May include directing subcontractors in their execution of subcontracted test programs at off-site test facilities.
• 20% - Documentation and Reviews - Prepare technical documentation, including test procedures, safety reviews and test readiness reviews.
• 10% - Project Management - Manage cost and schedule for test programs. Coordinate cost and schedule planning/estimates.

Qualifications:

Requires Bachelor of Science degree in appropriate discipline (Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering preferred) and minimum of 4 years of related experience, or a graduate degree and 2 years of experience.  In lieu of a degree, candidates with a minimum of 8 years of prior related experience will be considered.

Preferred Additional Skills: 

• Active DoD clearance.
• Knowledge of fundamental engineering principles: statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics/dynamics, basic electrical theory, etc.
• Experience with engineering software, including 3D Modeling/CAD software (Creo, NX, etc.) and analytical software (Matlab, Python, etc.).
• Proficient use of MSOffice software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or equivalent for generating procedures, presentations, and analysis.
• Effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Strength in teaming and collaboration in a diverse work environment.
• Interpretation and compliance with Company policies and procedures, including Safety, Health & Environmental processes and procedures.

• Related work experience in an academic or industrial lab / test environment where physical measurements are made (pressure, temperature, thrust/load, acceleration, etc.).
• Related work experience with pneumatic and/or steam pressure systems (pipe/tubing fittings, valves, regulators, filters, and gauges).