Structural test engineer job description

ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we're building a launch system we are truly proud of - no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We're an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we're determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.
When launch day arrives, we want you by our side

Structures Test Engineer
As a structures Test Engineer, you will lead development, qualification, and acceptance testing on primary and secondary structures of the RS1 launch vehicle and future development projects. This role will include designing, building, and operating large-scale structural test stands at ABL, in a small team environment, working closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to develop scalable testing solutions that enable development and ATP testing of critical structures hardware. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.

This is a role that contributes to every mission and every flight we fly as we continue to reimagine the future of space launches.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Work with component responsible engineers to gather test requirements, to ensure testing will validate design requirements. Lead planning, documentation, and execution of test campaigns. Design test stands and fixtures including their mechanical, fluid, and electrical components. Perform all necessary design, analysis, and project management to execute tests with minimal support Setup and operate data acquisition equipment to measure and record test parameters (strain gages, pressure transducers, accelerometers etc.) Produce professional and traceable test plans, procedures, and reports - including mechanical and fluid schematics of the test systems Interface with technicians to coordinate mechanical test logistics, support, and requirements Mentor other engineers and technicians on the team
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Robotics Engineering, or similar field.Minimum 5 years of experience working in space, aerospace, or equivalent professional environments with direct hands-on experience performing test on mechanical systems Experience planning and executing test engineering operations in a time-sensitive and high-risk environment. Including recovery from off-nominal conditions Experience in structural design, analysis, build and integration of test stands Experience designing and operating closed-loop control hydraulic and pneumatic systems Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions Experience with instrumentation systems Experience with NX or other CAD system
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:M.S. from an accredited university in engineering or science Experience working with high-pressure gas systems Ability to size fluid components based on flow, pressure, and thermal requirements Experience working with cryogenic systems Experience with Teamcenter or other PLM system Knowledge and understanding of mechanical vibration test
WHAT WE LOOK FORCritical thinking: ABL engineers understand the “why” behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective End-to-end ownership
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS:Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time Ability to use a computer to complete assignments Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted)
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, permanent residents, asylees, and refugees) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. Jacobs is NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Structural Dynamics Test Engineer to join our team with JETS teammate company, HX5.

** We are actively searching for qualified candidates for this potential opening; however, we do not have assurance at this time when the position will be finalized and opened. Because we have strong reason to believe the position will be approved soon, we are proceeding with identifying qualified candidates and conducting interviews. **

The Structural Dynamics Test Engineer will:

Perform all associated duties as a Structural Test Engineer, as allowed by certification, for a myriad of testing supporting the Structural Engineering Division at JSC Direct, coordinate, and exercise functional authority for planning, organizing, control, integration, and completion of structural dynamics qualification, acceptance, and engineering evaluation tests for NASA flight hardware and non-flight hardware to satisfy NASA system requirements Perform all functional duties of a Structural Test Engineer to include requirements definition, test planning and development, assisting customers with facility interface requirements, evaluating customer provided test fixtures, scheduling & coordination with internal & external support agencies, cost estimation, risk assessment & mitigation, instrumentation and mechanical test buildup design & approval, control system and data system setup and programming, directing test execution, and summary reporting Perform instrumentation design and setup, data acquisition and test coordination in support of structural testing Develop advanced analytical and test techniques for structural design and evaluation Offer technical consultation and advice in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives and success criteria that contribute to the construction and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of structures Provide real-time monitoring of test execution and contribute to the evaluation and resolution of any test issues or anomalies Develop test documentation to include plans, detailed test procedures, hazard analyses, emergency procedures, area notifications, schedules, test manning & certification documents, closeout summary reports, and customer data packages Develop and brief presentations regarding test readiness to the Test Readiness Review Board Assist with test fixture design and perform various duties in support of structures test laboratory facility maintenance and operations as required Maintain credibility and good customer rapport, as required, to perform successfully as a structural dynamics test engineer Adhere to appropriate safety, quality, and environmental practice, as well as business ethics practices Serves as project manager for major test buildups to include schedule integration and budget tracking Develop recovery plans and corrective actions to overcome challenges Overcome off-nominal conditions and adverse situations while maintaining tests and projects on schedule and budget Work shifts outside of normal business hours and on weekends, as required, to support customer project schedules Perform other duties as required



Requisition Qualifications:


This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

BS degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school Strong background in data acquisition systems Strong background in structures testing Must have proven experience exemplifying strong leadership qualities and exceptional oral and written communication skills Must demonstrate the ability and desire to take charge of situations under adverse conditions. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel


Requisition Preferences:


Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering or Engineering Technology preferred Experience in vibration and/or static loads testing is preferred.Experience in coupled loads analysis (CLA) and/or structural dynamics analysis (random vibration, modal, acoustics, and transient) is a plus Prior experience with project planning, scheduling as well as post-test data processing and compilation of post test data packages is preferred Experience with Spectral Dynamics JAGUAR Shaker Control and Analysis systems and Bruel & Kjaer (B&K) data acquisition systems and or AERO ST load control systems is a plus Experience with Nastran, IDEAS, and MATLAB or other similar analysis tool is a plus Prior experience with hydraulic load control systems, structural and thermal vacuum testing, and electronic circuit design and build-up A background in testing, and/or in working in a stressful, high visibility work environment is desirable



Why Join Our Team?


Click on the below links to view just a small sample of all that we do! Come join our team and be part of our future. We look forward to seeing you!

See What We Do

Jacobs Aerospace Solutions Overview
(Please view in Chrome or Microsoft Edge)

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

Excellent personal and professional career growth 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch) Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.



Essential Functions



Work Environment


Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.


Physical Requirements


Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).


Equipment and Machines


Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).


Attendance


Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.


Other Essential Functions


Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

We are working with a VTOL electric aircraft client in No California and we are staffing their Testing group needs. Would welcome the opportunity to discuss if you are interested and available.
PDS Tech is currently seeking a **Senior Structural Test Engineer** for our client in Santa Cruz, CA

**_6 mo+ contract expected to extend_**

**Overview**

Working as a Structural Test Engineer, you will support the Testing Team. As part of this team, you will perform structural testing of flight critical structures for VTOL electric aircrafts. The data collected during these tests will inform the company's hardware design efforts and pave the way to safe, production-ready airframes.

**Responsibilities**

+ Create test setups to validate the structural characteristics of primary and secondary aircraft structures (primarily composite) by working closely with the aircraft design teams to capture the nuances of aircraft design loads and operating conditions.

+ Develop formal test plans, test procedures, instrumentation plans, test stand/fixture designs, data acquisition architectures, and any other necessary tools to allow for thorough and repeatable testing of specimens as discussed.

+ Analyze data collected during the aforementioned tests to generate reports that will provide quantifiable feedback to the engineering teams that will allow them to optimize their designs.

**Required Qualifications**

+ B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline

+ Excellent problem solving and communication skills.

+ Strong analytical background.

+ Hands-on attitude.

+ Experience with testing of composite structures.

+ Experience using sensors such as foil strain gauges, linear potentiometers, string potentiometers, accelerometers, etc. (including sensor installation).

+ Fluent in data acquisition techniques, signal conditioning, and data processing techniques associated with above sensors.

+ Experience with mechanical design of complex assemblies and manufacturing drawing creation, including weldments.

+ Proficiency in Computer Aided Design.

**_Desired_**

+ M.S./Ph.D in relevant discipline.

+ 2+ years of work experience in relevant industry.

+ Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures.

+ Experience with Dassault Systemes CAD, specifically using Generative Shape Design, Part Design and Assembly Design.

+ Experience testing aircraft composite structures.

+ Experience working with fiber optic strain gauges.

+ Hands on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other machine shop equipment.

+ Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience is a plus.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.