Technical Operations Engineer Intern

Job Description

Job Description

Virginia Spaceport Authority Internship Program   gives students the chance to apply their education to real-world challenges through meaningful, hands-on projects.  Top candidates are well-rounded students from a variety of backgrounds who demonstrate inquisitiveness, team-orientation, excellence, and resilience.  At the time you apply for this announcement, you must be a degree seeking student who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis.

SUMMARY 

General Description: Under supervision, with general direction and oversight, this position primarily supports the technical oversight of assigned engineered systems. Support areas include cryogenic, pneumatic, fuel, electrical, control, hydraulic, structural, HVAC, and water systems. 

Responsibilities and Duties: Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

1. Works directly with customers, support contractors, and VCSFA technical staff in a team environment.
2. Assists with developing system operations, testing, maintenance procedures, engineering work packages for hazardous operations, system drawings, trouble-shooting plans, certification documentation, system performance metrics, and documents required by MARS operational directives.
3. Assists with developing and maintaining operational system parameters, including commodity levels in relation to operational requirements; spares critical for flight and maintenance, sampling and system cleanliness, outage requests and tracking, system configuration control, and producing weekly status reports.
4. Monitors and provides recommendations to increase operating efficiency, performance, safety, and reliability.
5. Assists with developing Materials for Change Configuration Board (CCB) and Design Reviews, provides input on engineering processes, and develops and maintains an in-depth technical and resource on the assigned system(s).
6. Continuously develops a practical understanding of the launch pad systems.
7. With supervision, monitors and performs fieldwork on the assignment), and coordinates with other internal groups, including QA, Safety, and the Pad Manager.
8. Attends formal training as needed to pursue required certifications.
9. Ensures completion of tasks safely and efficiently within the allocated budget/schedule, provides task workload estimates and required resources, provides requirements for task incorporation into the workflow, and complies with all Pad Management, Quality, Documentation, and Safety Policies.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

General Education  

College: Current enrollment in an associate or bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university

Major: Project Management, Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or Science 

Job-Related Experience:  

• Position requires a strong general engineering background.  
• Experience with pneumatic, cryogenic, hydraulic, and other liquid and control systems preferred. 

Certifications: N/A 

Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary while operating a vehicle while on agency business. Must be able to transport themselves to MARS and its facilities (located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore near Wallops Island, VA).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Knowledge:  

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.  

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.  

Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking principles to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 

Skills: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:  

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information to get others' attention.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem-Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to build knowledge and skills continuously; Shares expertise with others.
  
• Client Focus - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Response to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  
• Client Focus - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Response to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.