As a Mechanical Experimental Equipment Engineer, you will be responsible for mechanical systems maintenance (vessels, piping, valve, control valves, regulators, etc.) of the rocket test facilities at Stennis Space Center. In addition, you will participate in the design, construction and test operations for new and existing NASA and commercial test programs in the test complex.

Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee. Serves as an expert in the design, development, test, checkout, and readiness of technical systems (cryogenic, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc) required in support of both large engine and component level test projects. Performs the roles of Test Conductor and Propellant Transfer engineer for test projects at different test facilities at the Center. Provides oversight to system modifications, performs valve functional checkouts and repairs, system leak checks and system set-up verifications. Utilizes proper handling techniques for propellants such as Liquid Hydrogen, Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Nitrogen, and hydrocarbon-based fuels. Interfaces with Test Article contractor, performs analysis of test data to evaluate facility performance, leads efforts to resolve issues identified and supports anomaly resolution. Consults with management and personnel to prepare requirements and criteria for complex or high value engine test projects including the construction or modification of facilities, systems, equipment, or hardware. Provides guidance and technical advice to lower-grade employees and specialists in areas such as propulsion and power. Resolves technical difficulties that can be overcome by changes in approach, criteria, or requirements. Performs facility operations and maintenance to ensure the functionality and performance of test stand facility systems. Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• This position may require a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Supporting the development or testing of technical systems such as cryogenic, hydraulic, or pneumatic in support of large engine and component level test projects; Performing system modifications, valve functional checkouts and repairs, system leak checks, or system set-up verifications in support of Test Operation tasks; Maintaining and supporting facility systems such as valve control pneumatics, hydraulics, or cryogenics, that may include components, piping, tubing, instrumentation, facility power, or control systems. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Developing, analyzing and testing the readiness of technical systems such as cryogenic, hydraulic, or pneumatic in support of large engine and component level test projects; Providing technical guidance on Test Operations tasks to engineers in order to perform system modifications, system set-up verifications or valve functional testing that may include checkouts and repairs, system leak checks, or similar; Overseeing mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, cryogenics, and high-pressure gases (nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, or air) including components, piping, tubing, instrumentation, facility power, or control systems to operate and maintain facilities. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Contacts

• Address Stennis Space Center Hlass St Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 US
• Name: NASA Shared Services Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-677-2123
• Email: [email protected]