Aerospace Engineer

Science and Engineering Operations Manager

Location:

Tucson, AZ

Pay Rate:

$90k - $110k

REQUIRED:A cover letter, resume and application are required attachments.

Applications received without a cover letter, resume and application will not be considered.

IMPORTANT: Do not use EASY APPLY on other platforms to submit your application, cover letter and resume. Use the link provided above to submit all required documents.

The SETI Institute is seeking a highly motivated aerospace engineer to participate in the development of mid/high TRL X-ray instruments for planetary surface exploration under research contracts with NASA.

In this full-time position, the incumbent will participate in various aspects of engineering and will have the opportunity to apply his/her broad skill set in project management, system engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software programming and physics.

As part of a small and dynamic R&D team, the incumbent will perform a wide range of tasks such as: designing, building, and testing new systems and subsystems, interacting with vendors and collaborators, and participating in the writing of proposals and reports. The Aerospace Engineer is expected to have a “hands on” approach, to be able to perform independently, to timely report to leadership, to collaborate with team members, and to provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Current projects are focused on TRL 5/6 prototype completion and validation and could result in Space flight in near-term opportunities.

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Manage technical tasks of NASA R&D projects. Ensure the timely development of the design, manufacturing and testing as established in the work plans.
• Mechanical design: develop and manage systems specifications documents to ensure their alignment with proposals goals, budget and timelines. Transform systems requirements into architecture options and hardware implementations. Evaluate and integrate complex components and subsystems, including optical components, sensors, mechanisms, PCBs and thermal solutions. Create and maintain original CAD (Solidworks) models and drawings. Apply engineering principles, analytical methods, commercial FEA solvers and databases to predict and ensure structural and thermal performance in expected space environment conditions.
• Create and maintain system architecture models and documentation.
• Manage component procurement and fabrication of prototypes, proto-flight systems and GSE. Work with suppliers and manufacturers of custom parts. Oversee fabrication and ensure proper quality of received components.
• Manage, document and execute systems integration, testing and troubleshooting.
• Manage, maintain, troubleshoot and customize cryo-vac and other test equipment to support prototypes and flight system test campaigns.
• Plan and execute Test and Validation of mid/high TRL systems (cryo-vac, shock and vib, EMI/EMC) to ensure components, subsystems and system performances meet the requirements.
• Develop Python code for system control, data acquisition and data processing.
• Write procedures, reports and detailed technical documentation, including: systems architecture, assembly procedures, operation instructions, test plans, test reports, etc.
• Communicate results and reports to senior leaderships and PIs, engineering staff, external scientific collaborators and/or external agencies.
• Assist senior leaderships and PIs in the preparation of proposals.

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Systems engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in Aerospace engineering, preferably with Space-deployed systems.
• Strong knowledge and grasp of engineering and physics concepts.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Fluent in Solid Works 3D modeling.
• Experienced with FEA modeling for thermal and structural analysis.
• Experienced with electronics integration and cabling.
• Experienced with high and ultra-high vacuum hardware and operation.
• Experienced with Python coding.
• Superior technical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to follow leadership guidance and mentor junior engineers or students.
• Skilled with high precision manual tasks.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire as required by law.

• Work in clean rooms over extended periods wearing cleanroom apparel, face-mask, protective glasses and gloves.
• Stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders.
• Execute high-precision manual tasks (excellent hand coordination and sharp vision required).
• Perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Sort, file paperwork, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.

The SETI Institute offers competitive benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance .