Mechanical Engineer (NASA Ballon Program)

NASA’s Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) is a sub-orbital flight program located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), a part of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).  NBOC provides high altitude balloon vehicles, payload development, and field operations support to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.  The program enables the collection of Earth, Heliophysics and Astrophysics science.

 

The Mechanical Engineer will be a team member using principles of mechanical engineering; develop, design, analyze, test and document balloon payload systems, sub-systems, and GSE systems in support of the NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC).

 

Responsibilities of the position:

• Research, develop, design, and analyze balloon payload/gondola mechanical structures, components, and equipment applying principles of mechanical engineering to fulfill mission requirements
• Work with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation for design and analysis efforts
• Create design and manufacturing documentation with SolidWorks
• Review science team provided payload/gondola design documentation and certify requirements of 820-PG-8700.0.1 – Gondola Structural Design Requirements are met
• Coordinate with Electronics and Rigging departments for development of new flight hardware or updates of existing flight hardware
• Coordinate with Electronics and Rigging departments for NBOC provided test flight gondolas regarding piggyback payload and NBOC test flight hardware layout
• Coordinate with science teams regarding design and implementation of NBOC flight systems onto science provided gondolas (i.e. Antenna Booms, Solar Panels, Ballast Hoppers, etc…)
• Provide support for field operations when needed, including payload and ground support systems
• Work with vendors to quote custom design hardware and enter purchase requisitions
• Travel annually to support the Fall Ft. Sumner, NM balloon campaign (3-4 weeks) as needed
• Primary work on-site Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF), Palestine, TX

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physics. (Mechanical or Aerospace preferred)
• Two or more years of mechanical experience
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation or similar design and analysis tools
• Must be a US Citizen and ability to obtain a NASA PIV badge 

 

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$66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.