Propulsion Test Engineer

Qualis•Huntsville, AL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Qualis LLC is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer (PTE) to support senior engineers in overseeing test design, conducting test operations, and maintaining configuration control for the Propulsion Test Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center. The role involves reviewing test requirements, developing facility activation and operation procedures, and reviewing test data for tests of launch vehicle systems, subsystems, and components at various test facilities. The PTE will develop test design documents and operational procedures for cryogenic and ambient propellant systems, including hydrogen and oxygen; solid propellants; ancillary support systems, including nitrogen, air, helium, and hydraulics; and mechanical systems, including thrust reaction, thrust measurement, and structural loads. The engineer will work with civil servants and contractors on propulsion and structural testing of space-flight qualification and other mission-critical hardware, and will participate in safety, task, design, and test readiness meetings and reviews as requested. The role also includes preparing reports and presentations, completing safety and certification training, and supporting ASED and customer requirements. The position is based in an office environment, with domestic U.S. travel of less than 15%. Normal workdays are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; minimal overtime may be required to meet milestones and technical demands. Regular attendance is required. U.S. citizenship and a STAR/REAL ID are required.

Requirements

A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another engineering field.
Experience with Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Basic knowledge of fluids and incompressible fluid dynamics, including water and hydraulics.
Some knowledge of compressible gases and compressible gas dynamics, including nitrogen, air, helium, and hydrogen.
Basic thermodynamics related to propulsion test systems, including heat exchangers, cryogenic fluids, and heat and energy cycles.
Basic knowledge of mechanical structures and stress analysis.
Familiarity with OSHA and ANSI standards.
Familiarity with standard engineering practices and current steel design and welding codes and techniques, including welded and bolted connections.
Knowledge of industry-standard vendor-supplied structural and mechanical components, including structural steel and aluminum shapes, steel fasteners, pipe and pipe components, tubing and fittings, hydraulic cylinders, screw jacks, and hoisting equipment.
A STAR/REAL ID is required.
Proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, accurately, and promptly, verbally and in writing.
Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, management, and the client.
Ability to use stairs or elevators to access floors, buildings, and test stands at NASA and Amentum facilities.
Ability to operate a personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

A degree from an ABET-accredited institution is preferred.
Typically, the educational requirement is a bachelor's degree with 0–5 years of experience.

Responsibilities

Support senior engineers in overseeing test design, test operations, and configuration control for the Propulsion Test Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center.
Review test requirements, develop facility activation and operation procedures, and review test data.
Develop test design documents and operating procedures for propulsion, ancillary support, and mechanical systems.
Work with civil servants and contractors to design, develop, set up, and perform propulsion and structural testing on space-flight qualification and other mission-critical hardware.
Participate in safety meetings, task meetings, design reviews, and test readiness reviews as requested to support ASED and customer requirements.
Develop and deliver reports and presentations using PowerPoint and other tools as requested.
Complete safety and certification training to support ASED and customer requirements.
Maintain regular attendance and arrange delegation of duties during absences.
Work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and exercise good judgment.