Senior Mechanical Engineer

BNH•Mountain View, CA

18h•$165,000 - $225,000

About The Position

The NFAC provides the United States with the capability of performing ground‐based aerodynamic and acoustic experiments at speeds from static to nearly 350 mph on large‐scale and full‐scale aerospace vehicles and components. This complex includes a 40‐ by 80‐foot wind tunnel and an 80‐ by 120‐foot wind tunnel. AEDC’s mission is to conduct developmental test and evaluation for the Nation through modeling, simulation, ground test and flight test. Execution of the mission requires a large team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals from multiple technical disciplines to effectively accomplish the objectives of our test customers. An exciting career opportunity exists for a Senior Mechanical Engineer position supporting a team of engineers and technicians who maintain and operate the largest wind tunnel in the world. Open to internal and external candidates. Under the guidance and direction of an experienced engineer the successful candidate will evaluate, select, and apply standard mechanical engineering methods, techniques, procedures, and criteria to support wind tunnel testing, facility operations and maintenance at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) and perform the duties listed below.

Requirements

B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a related field from an accredited college
Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering work experience
Must be able to obtain and maintain access to the AEDC local area network
Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment

Nice To Haves

Proven experience in a hands-on, multidisciplinary role with expertise in mechanical systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps) and a working knowledge of electrical and control systems
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment, from conception to completion
Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide technical guidance and development advice to colleagues
Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively in a team with engineers and technicians of varying disciplines

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design of wind tunnel model interface hardware; prepare and interpret calculations, specifications, and plans for complex systems and equipment.
Develop comprehensive design drawing packages using SolidWorks or AutoCAD and perform detailed reviews of stress analyses to ensure the static and dynamic stability of all components under test conditions.
Guide design proposals through internal approval processes and work closely with the customer and test team to rigorously define and document all design requirements.
Assume primary ownership of critical facility mechanical systems—such as hydraulic and pneumatic power, drive systems, compressors, and pumps—leading projects through their entire lifecycle from planning and budgeting to execution and close-out.
Develop, implement, and execute common work processes and procedures; oversee service contract vendors, develop statements of work, and provide technical guidance to craft personnel for system maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation.
Champion the implementation of predictive maintenance principles, troubleshoot system anomalies, create repair work orders, and manage facility assets to ensure systems are ready to run properly when required.
Function as the key technical liaison for customer hardware integration, providing on-site engineering support and oversight during all phases of test campaigns.
Provide independent, expert review of engineering approaches, troubleshooting efforts, process improvements, and analyses of abnormal events.
Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and craft supervision to ensure maintenance outages are planned and scheduled effectively to support test operations.
It is a condition of employment to wear company issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
Perform other related duties as required.