Research Operations Engineer

Job TitleResearch Operations EngineerLocationEDWARDS, CA 93523 US (Primary)CategoryEngineering, General LaborerJob TypeFull-TimeCompensation Minimum (USD)150,000Compensation Maximum (USD)180,000EducationBachelor's DegreeMinimum Citizenship Status RequiredU.S. CitizenSecurity Clearance RequiredSecretJob DescriptionThis position provides support to the Operations Engineering Branch (Code 430) at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), which is instrumental in evaluating, coordinating, and implementing both project and maintenance operational requirements for all aircraft /flight vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and aircraft assets. Code 430 holds the technical authority for airworthiness and is thereby responsible for ensuring airworthiness of aircraft and its systems as well as mission success where AFRC has responsibility. In fulfilling this role, Code 430 leads and manages the aero-mechanical design, drawing, configuration control, integration, and system test for all aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. It also supports technical and programmatic risk assessment, evaluation and dispositioning of manufacturer maintenance deviations, mission planning, mission control/director, and advises flight operations concerning engineering and operational issues, as well as aircraft technical requirements.RESPONSIBILITIES: Successful candidate willEnsure airworthiness of aircraft and its systems as well as mission success where NASA AFRC has responsibilityServe as the NASA Armstrong Flight Operations Directorate representative for the projectPerform market surveys to support component product selection, cost, availability, fit to requirements, delivery estimates, multiple sources, comparisonsPrepare documentation as needed for procurement, Statement of Work, definition of spares, needed Peripheral product documentation (e.g., mounting dimensions drawing, signal I/O, schematics, functional descriptions/architecture, certifications, etc.)Conduct periodic work schedule meetings with engineering and flight operations personnel to integrate flight vehicle maintenance and configuration changes into detailed flight preparation schedules that will accomplish desired mission objectives andoperational requirementsDevelop or assist in the development of flight vehicle and UAS documentation to include: Fact Sheets, Weight and Balance Worksheets, Procedures, Checklists, Flight Cards, Maintenance Plan, Emergency Procedures, and other project and/or aircraft procedure development/writing tasks, Hazard Analysis Reviews, Work Order System, cybersecurity plans, and other documentation and reports as requestedEvaluate operational changes and modifications to ensure that the changes are consistent with operational capability of the flight vehicle/UASParticipate in the system safety process by identifying, evaluating, and documenting risks and implementing mitigations to assure airworthiness and mission success related to instruments, aircraft systems, experimental additions, proposed modifications effects, and the flight vehicle/UASPerform airworthiness tests and analysis to the extent directed by Project or Flight Operations DirectorateAct as the project’s Lead Flight Test Engineer with primary responsibilities of organizing test planning and leading and directing the data analysis planDevelop, perform and/or support briefings, preliminary and critical design reviews, peer reviews, and airworthiness processesDevelop, review, and implement test plans, test procedures, checklists, etc. to facilitate aircraft operations in an efficient, safe and effective manner Monitor mission performance during test flights, and maintain records such as maneuvers performed, time of day, data anomalies, vehicle fuel load and burn, flight pattern, and control room statusAdditional Responsibilities include: Maintain Aircraft Configuration management (flight and maintenance manuals) as required including management and disposition of Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO), Airworthiness Directives, and Maintenance Directives (MDs) as required.Support and lead NASA aircraft safety processesPrepare and manage Certificate of Authorization (COAs)Perform airspace coordination within restricted airspace and National AirspaceParticipate and take on leadership roles in Operations Working Groups (OWGs), Mission Rule Working Groups (MRWGs), Systems Safety Working Groups (SSWGs)Analyze project objectives and requirements, develop plans for conducting projects, provide support for the project safety review process, including participation in the development of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, documentation of hazards, and the specification and implementation of mitigations to those hazardsReview project instructions to ascertain requirements, specifications, procedures, objectives, equipment, nature of technical problem, and possible solutionsAssist in the development of flight test plans and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) that include, but are not limited to, test conditions, maneuvers, contingencies for weather and other influences, required instrumentation, and methodology of data analysisPerform data analysis using post flight test data using various methods and software toolsMentor engineers in specific technical areas and/or the system engineering process and project management principlesPerform work in accordance with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and applicable regulatory requirementsFollow the safe practices and rules contained in the Safety and Health plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the jobReport status to Senior Technical Lead and/or Task Focal Point in standardized format on or before due date*This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities.Job RequirementsMust possess knowledge of military systems, radar systems, Multi-Monitor Run-Time Assurance (MMRTA) systems, air-data calibration test planning and analysis, and test planning and evaluationPreference will be given to candidates who are familiar with AFRC and all flight operations procedures and processes, vehicle assets, and program/project mission objectivesMastery of engineering principles and Systems Engineering processesMust be able to work and lead teams and efforts in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedulesMust be able to manage and decompose requirements in specific technical areas Senior Test Conductor – Research Operations Engineer NASA AFRC – Edwards, CAStrong communications and ability to work in a team environment a mustMust exercise a high degree of originality and sound judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts, guiding the analysis of unique problemsMay apply standard methodologies but is responsible for innovative thinking, problem solving, and independent judgment in resolving complex issuesEDUCATION 20 Years of Experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) – at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent. 18 Years of Experience OR a Masters Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) - at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent. 15 Years of Experience OR a PhD Degree in Engineering or Physical Science (required) - at least 5 years experience as principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, Project Manager, or equivalent.Must be a U.S. citizenMust be able to secure and maintain a security clearanceMust pass drug testingMust be able to read and write effectively in EnglishMust embrace safety principles to include; adhering to safe work practices and standards while performing daily tasks, taking responsibility for own and coworkers’ safekeeping and encouraging others to work safelyMust maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner to get along with customers, clients, co-workers and management.Must perform work activities requiring interaction, negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with othersMust be able to work under supervision and respond appropriately and professionally to criticism from a supervisorWith the exception of STD/LTD/FMLA/approved time off, attendance is considered essentialMust be able to work 9/80 schedule (alternating Fridays off) and within core hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flexibility may be required based on workloadPhysical requirements – must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of timeTravel requirements – some travel is anticipated both locally and long distance by car or planeTelework: The ability to work onsite daily is required and part-time telework is approved based on project needsWe are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.-