Failure Mode Analysis; FMA Engineer

Overview

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Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors.

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• Identify potential failures in ATC components (e.g., surveillance, communication systems, software, human operators).
• Evaluate the severity, likelihood, and detectability of each failure.
• Prioritize risks and work with a technical team, logistics and obsolescence engineers to recommend mitigation strategies to ensure system reliability and safety.
• Apply FMA and FMEA knowledge to support FAA VS&R programs, projects and acquisition activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar technical field.
• 9+ years of relevant FMA/FMEA and system life cycle management experience.
• Specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in the following areas:
  • Component Analysis: ATC systems are complex, involving hardware, software, human operators, and procedures, including:
  • Hardware:
    Voice Communications Systems (Voice Switches), transponders, navigation aids, or power systems.
  • Software:
    Air traffic management software, automation tools, or data processing systems.
  • Human Factors:
    Controller errors, fatigue, or miscommunication.
  • Procedural:
    Inadequate protocols or contingency plans.
  • Environmental:
    Weather impacts or external disruptions (e.g., cyberattacks).
• Experience with identifying failure modes:
  Pinpoint ways a component could fail (e.g., system outage, software crash, or controller misjudgment), including:
• Assess Effects:
  Determine the impact of each failure (e.g., loss of aircraft tracking, delayed flights, or risk of mid-air collision).
• Determine Severity:
  Rate the consequences (e.g., minor delays vs. catastrophic safety risks).
• Evaluate Likelihood:
  Estimate how often a failure might occur based on historical data or system design.
• Assess Detectability:
  Consider whether the failure can be detected and corrected in time (e.g., through backup systems or alerts).
• Prioritize Risks:
  Use a Risk Priority Number (RPN) calculated as Severity × Likelihood × Detectability to focus on high-risk failures.
• Mitigate Risks:
  Propose solutions like redundant systems, enhanced training, or improved software algorithms.
• Experience conducting technical reviews of contractor system FMA-related reports and deliverables.

• Knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration and National Airspace System (NAS) systems.
• Familiarity with FAA’s Safety Management System (SMS).
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently to complete assigned tasks within expected schedule.
• Flexible/easily adaptable within a dynamic work environment.
• Customer service and client goal oriented.
• Ability to travel to occasional meetings at FAA or vendor facilities around the U.S.

• Posted Salary Range: USD $93,200.00 - USD $ /Yr.
• Total Rewards:
  Health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits; paid leave; professional development; and work-life programs.
• Compensation is determined by education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, location, and contract requirements.
• Full-time and part-time eligibility details are described on the Noblis Benefits page.

• Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.