Propulsion System/Rocket Test Control Room Operator/Engineer

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Propulsion / Rocket Test Control Room Operator/Engineer

Job ID: 38306

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:

Rocket Test Control Room Operator/Engineer

Rocket Test Control Room Operator/Engineer works with test personnel, design/project engineers, program managers, and customers to acquire and process data for a variety of propulsion system tests. Assisting with the design and implementation of data acquisition and control systems when needed, while also managing the daily control room operations, ranging from instrument setup and calibration, controlling the test sequence, and reviewing and processing of data and video after test. They use a wide range of engineering skills to work with a variety of facility hardware and software including high-speed data acquisition systems (DAS), process controllers, and other test computer systems. Types of tests consist of static rocket motor firings, direct-connect ramjet/scramjet testing, altitude simulation test firings, case proof and burst pressure testing, case structural loads testing, aero-heat material testing, and dynamic/environmental testing.

Essential Functions:

Under general supervision:

• 50% - Conduct and support test operations in accordance with safety and quality policy and procedures, maintaining responsibility for control-room operations and access control. Primarily involves instrumentation calibration and setup, electrical/controls setup, control software input preparation, physical/mechanical hardware setup, test article prep, etc.
• 20% - Interface with Project and Test Engineers to develop/interpret test requirements. Plan and prepare test methods, instrumentation, and tooling, applying extensive testing technical expertise. Work with Quality and Safety to ensure test methods meet customer and government requirements/regulations.
• 15% - Assist in maintaining test facility data acquisition and control hardware and software. Install instrumentation, data acquisition systems, video recording systems, cabling, etc. to support facility upgrades and other test needs.
• 15% - Perform data reduction and analysis, video processing, data file management, and report distribution.  This includes having quality control responsibility for all deliverable test data. Prepare technical documentation, test procedures, electrical schematics, and test readiness reviews. Coordinate cost and schedule planning/estimates.

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 6 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. 

Preferred Additional Skills: 

• Familiar with the setup and installation in an academic or industrial lab / test environment where physical measurements of load cells, pressure/displacement transducers, LVDT’s, accelerometers, and thermocouples were utilized.
• Instrumentation and signal conditioning (Strain gage, pressure, force, temperature, etc.)
• Data Acquisition and Data Reduction
• Familiar with volt meters, oscilloscopes, temperature reading equipment, hand-held meters, and data logging systems.
• Experience with calibration processes and procedures
• Familiar with Controls and Software (C/QNX, Pacific, Allen-Bradley PLC, C/C++ programming, Matlab, etc.)
• Some Networking knowledge
• Digital Video Recording and Editing
• Proficient use of MSOffice software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or equivalent for generating procedures, presentations, and analysis
• Electronic Cabling/Wiring/Soldering