Wind Tunnel Test 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 team to support the Center Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering Contract located at NASA’s Langley Research Center. This position reports directly to the Facility Operations Manager.

All work will be performed with a high standard of quality and professionalism. All safety policies and procedures must be followed.

Plans, executes, and closes out discrete wind tunnel test programs for various customers. Leads teams of engineers and technicians to accomplish these test programs. Establishes test timeline, manages all test‑related data and documentation, and evaluates final test data for quality and completeness. Duties also include identifying and implementing process improvements, determining required facility upgrades, and producing and delivering technical papers and presentations when warranted.

Performs a variety of routine engineering tasks designed to provide experience and familiarization with engineering methods, practices, and programs. Applies commonly used equations and techniques to solve assigned problems. Applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. May perform specific and limited engineering tasks of a broader assignment. Prepares computations, specifications, and reports of limited scope and complexity.

Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria; makes minor adaptations and modifications as required. Independently performs a project assignment that involves some complex features and can be guided by codes, standards, procedures, and other precedents of discipline. Evaluates the results of an analysis using techniques prescribed by senior engineers or supervisors. Accomplishes complete tasks of limited scope and solves problems which require investigation of a limited number of variables.

U.S. citizenship is required. A bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics from an ABET accredited engineering school is required, with one to two years of engineering experience, or a master's degree from an ABET accredited college or university. Must have the ability to lead a team in preparing and conducting wind tunnel tests of scale models, maintain good interpersonal relations with test team members and customer personnel, meet time, quality, and cost requirements, recognize the importance of customer relations, respond properly to changing customer needs, and produce coherent outputs during test periods.

Preference for experience in fluid mechanics, instrumentation, data acquisition, analysis, and documentation.

Work Environment:
Office environment (45%) and test environment, which may expose employees to high noise levels, hazardous propellants, chemicals, and industrial facility environments (45%). Travel between various facilities and test operations is required (10%).

Physical Requirements:

Sufficient mobility to enter all areas of test facilities; ability to crawl, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, work at elevated levels on platforms and scaffolding, walk, stand, bend, twist, sit for extended periods, and lift up to 35 lbs.

Equipment and Machines:
Standard office equipment such as PC, telephone, fax, and knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, MATLAB, LabVIEW. Safety and personal protective equipment.

Attendance:
Regular attendance mandatory. Overtime or work outside the normal schedule may be required.

U.S. citizenship is required. Valid REAL  identification and a valid driver’s license are required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required for this position. Must be able to work in a team atmosphere. Must demonstrate professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not pose a safety or risk hazard.

The work environment requires the ability to cooperate and…