Technical Director, Dynamics & Acoustics

Element U.S. Space & Defense

13d • Remote

About The Position

Element U.S. Space & Defense (EUSSD) is a premier provider of independent test and evaluation services to the US defense, aerospace, and space industries. We are a leading provider of dynamics testing, including shock, vibration and acoustics, with over 50 test systems spread across our national network of testing laboratories.
We are seeking a Technical Director of Dynamics and Acoustics to drive Best-in-Class service for our Dynamics offering across the enterprise.
The ideal candidate is a recognized expert with extensive dynamics testing and business management experience.

The Technical Director will support business growth by leveraging industry knowledge and contacts, representing EUSSD capabilities and interests in the market, informing investment and capability expansion to align with industry needs, developing novel technical solutions to complex customer testing requirements, development-pursuit-capture of large proposals, and supporting integration of new capabilities into test operations.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 12 years of relevant Dynamics and Acoustics testing experience OR 18+ years of Dynamics and Acoustics test experience.
• Proven experience managing and executing complex Dynamics and Acoustics testing programs including acoustic reverb, progressive wave tube, MISO/MIMO, complex vibration including multi-shaker and custom bearing support setups.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Experience in working in a project team environment.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information.
• Extensive background check and US Citizenship will be required.
• Remote, approximately 30% travel.
• Expert understanding of dynamic test methodologies including vibration, shock, acoustics, and HALT/HASS.
• Expert knowledge of dynamics test equipment, including electrodynamic shakers and amplifiers, servo-hydraulic shakers, shock machines, slip tables, and hydrostatic bearings.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition principles associated with dynamics testing, such as accelerometers and vibration controllers.
• Strong knowledge of practical aspects of dynamics testing such as accelerometer mounting techniques, multi-point control strategies, test fixture design and analysis, vibration surveys of fixtures, etc.
• Expert understanding of data collection, interpretation, and analysis.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers at all levels, from technicians to CEOs, technical and non-technical.
• Exceptional organizational abilities needed to handle numerous tasks in support of assigned responsibilities.
• Must be proficient with compliance to established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support EUSSD test sites, customer interaction, technical meetings/conferences, etc.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and responsible person requiring little direct supervision.
• Extensive background check and US Citizenship will be required.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.
• Strong time management and analytical skills.
• Excellent written/verbal communications skills.

Nice To Haves

• BS in Mechanical, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering preferred, advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Actively pursue and deliver growth opportunities by identifying targets, conceptualizing novel technical solutions, developing compelling proposals, and engaging customers.
• Support urgent technical issues at the site level to provide prompt resolution and maintain positive relationships with customers.
• Pursue early engagement and utilize expertise to partner with our customers in a consulting capacity to develop strategic partnerships and success-oriented test programs and outcomes.
• Represent EUSSD on relevant committees to drive standards development, participate in working groups, present technical papers.
• Develop and host training sessions for customers to introduce them to the Dynamics and Acoustics business line and the solutions that EUSSD can provide.
• Work with marketing to develop relevant and focused materials to capture new business.
• Survey current and future demand for the Dynamics and Acoustics business lines to inform investment decisions and ensure alignment with industry needs.
• Develop and deploy standardized processes for evaluation, execution, and reporting of test activities.
• Support growth activities with on-site engagement to ensure timely and efficient commissioning of new equipment, capabilities and/or new facilities.
• Perform other duties as may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly
• 401k with employer match
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs
• Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees