Controls Engineer

NASA enforces REAL  for all visitors and badge holders. Please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). view a list of compliant documents. The successful candidate will join the Facility Operations Directorate to support the Center Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering Contract (CMOE) located at NASA Langley Research Center. This position reports directly to the Ground Data Systems Service, Hardware Supervisor. All work will be completed with a high level of quality, professionalism and full adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

Want to work where spacecraft are tested, planes are crashed and where Neil Armstrong practiced his moon landing? Experienced controls specialist needed to support aerodynamic research at NASA Langley Research Center. This position, with Amentum's Center Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering (CMOE) contract, is part of a small team that supports any control system at any wind-tunnel, lab or test facility on Center.

This person will support PLCs and a variety of other controllers that compress air to 6000 psi, move air at Mach speeds or control temperatures down to
-250°F. A combination of old and new, software and hardware, the work is hands-on, varied and unique. Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will work alone or with a team to provide controls services to the wind tunnels and research facilities at the NASA Langley. These services include trouble-shooting, repair, replacement, programming, configuration, documentation and checkout control systems and components. In addition to "break-fix" services, the candidate may also work on controls-related projects for improvements, added functions, or new capabilities.

This work may start with project planning, writing specifications or making budget-schedule estimations. It will include project completion requiring system design, graphical user interface building, programming, equipment layout and procurement, system configuration, and drawing reviews. Hands-on work will include system checkout, equipment configuration, troubleshooting, repair and system operation. In most cases, the projects will require clear and concise documentation. The task will involve interaction with fellow team members, other internal service providers, sub-contractors, the operational staff of the facilities and the NASA client.

The candidate will need to conduct meetings and reviews with these parties, clearly communicating goals and objectives to engage these groups for the project's success. The candidate must be able to juggle multiple tasks, while working in a dynamic environment in which priorities change frequently. The successful candidate will be self-motivated in their work habits, show initiative in tackling new work, and exercise and communicate sound technical judgment.

Qualifications:

U.S. Citizenship required. BS degree from an ABET accredited engineering school and at least five (5) years of practical work experience in controls, electronics, data acquisition systems or similar roles. Academic study in electronics, mechanical systems, controls theory, manufacturing, or aerodynamics desired. Mechanical or electrical engineers preferred.

Experience with process controllers, specifically Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software required.

Experience with general programming techniques required. Experience in an industrial, laboratory or manufacturing facility desired. Experience in system design, equipment installation and system startup desired. Any experience with securing industrial networking systems is a plus.

Experience with hydraulics is a plus.

Essential Functions:

Work Environment An office or Control Room environment is the typical work area. Travel between various facilities and test sites on Center is required. Project implementations or troubleshooting events will be in an industrial or laboratory environment. May be exposed to areas of high voltage, high noise levels, hazardous propellants, explosives, chemicals and industrial facilities. (Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.)

Equipment and Machine:
Software Tools: PLC Ladder Logic and other IEC 61131-3 languages, Factory Talk View, LabVIEW, C/C++, MS Office [Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio], AutoCAD or equivalent, Matlab/Simulink Hardware platforms:
Microsoft PC, Linux, National Instruments, Allen-Bradley PLCs [PLC-5, SLC, Compact Logix, Control Logix], Allen-Bradley Panel Views, AB/ABB Drives Field Devices: programmable controllers, pneumatic valves, programmable valves, standalone PID loop controllers, Flex IO Communications Protocol: TCP/IP, RS-232, IEEE-488, OPC UA Familiarity and use of safety and personal protective equipment

Physical Requirements:

Must have sufficient mobility to enter all areas of wind tunnel and test facilities. The ability to enter into confined spaces, crawl into or onto various assemblies while maintaining a clear vision of safety is required. Potential exposure to high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, propellants and the like.…