Senior Mechanical Engineer

Overview

The NFAC provides the United States with the capability of performing ground-based aerodynamic and acoustic experiments at speeds from static to nearly 350 mph on large-scale and full-scale aerospace vehicles and components. This complex includes a 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel and an 80- by 120-foot wind tunnel.

AEDC's mission is to conduct developmental test and evaluation for the Nation through modeling, simulation, ground test and flight test. Execution of the mission requires a large team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals from multiple technical disciplines to effectively accomplish the objectives of our test customers.

An exciting career opportunity exists for a Senior Mechanical Engineer position supporting a team of engineers and technicians who maintain and operate the largest wind tunnel in the world.

Open to internal and external candidates.

Job Summary

Under the guidance and direction of an experienced engineer the successful candidate will evaluate, select, and apply standard mechanical engineering methods, techniques, procedures, and criteria to support wind tunnel testing, facility operations and maintenance at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) and perform the duties listed below.

The responsibilities outlined below are representative of the primary duties of this role but are not an exhaustive list. The NFAC provides a highly dynamic and collaborative environment, and the successful candidate will be expected to be adaptable and take on other duties as necessary to meet evolving operational needs.

Design Engineering

Lead the mechanical design of wind tunnel model interface hardware; prepare and interpret calculations, specifications, and plans for complex systems and equipment.
• Develop comprehensive design drawing packages using SolidWorks or AutoCAD and perform detailed reviews of stress analyses to ensure the static and dynamic stability of all components under test conditions.
• Guide design proposals through internal approval processes and work closely with the customer and test team to rigorously define and document all design requirements.

System Engineering & Maintenance Ownership

• Assume primary ownership of critical facility mechanical systems-such as hydraulic and pneumatic power, drive systems, compressors, and pumps-leading projects through their entire lifecycle from planning and budgeting to execution and close-out.
• Develop, implement, and execute common work processes and procedures; oversee service contract vendors, develop statements of work, and provide technical guidance to craft personnel for system maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation.
• Champion the implementation of predictive maintenance principles, troubleshoot system anomalies, create repair work orders, and manage facility assets to ensure systems are ready to run properly when required.

Test Team & Operational Support

• Function as the key technical liaison for customer hardware integration, providing on-site engineering support and oversight during all phases of test campaigns.
• Provide independent, expert review of engineering approaches, troubleshooting efforts, process improvements, and analyses of abnormal events.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and craft supervision to ensure maintenance outages are planned and scheduled effectively to support test operations.

• It is a condition of employment to wear company issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a related field from an accredited college
• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering work experience
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to the AEDC local area network
• Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a hands-on, multidisciplinary role with expertise in mechanical systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps) and a working knowledge of electrical and control systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment, from conception to completion
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide technical guidance and development advice to colleagues
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively in a team with engineers and technicians of varying disciplines

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations and refers to the amount BNH is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time jobs will be adjusted based upon the number of hours agreed to work.

$165,000 - $225,000 annually at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.