Mid-Career Test Operations Engineer - Propulsion

BNH•San Marcos, TX

2d•$93,000 - $146,000•Onsite

About The Position

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is seeking a Mid-Career Test Operations Engineer in Propulsion to support the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The engineer will be part of an integrated team responsible for operating and maintaining ground test facilities for propulsion systems like turbojet, turbofan, and ramjet engines. This role requires shift work to support mission needs and involves acting as the 'quarterback' in control rooms, planning and executing test plans. The position demands a practical application of engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials. The engineer will interface with various teams, including plant operations, systems, controls, instrumentation, design, facility data analysis, and modeling and simulation engineers, as well as skilled labor, to ensure reliable operation and future test capabilities. Responsibilities include overseeing installation, operation, sustainment, and troubleshooting of test cell equipment and systems, such as thrust determination systems, fuel systems, icing systems, and various sensor systems.

Requirements

BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university
Grade L08: A minimum of 5 years’ progressive and relevant engineering experience
Grade L09: A minimum of 8 years’ progressive and relevant engineering experience
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local network
U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Nice To Haves

Practical application of technical knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, applications of engineering methods and construction methods and materials, and application of computer aided engineering (CAE)/computer aided design (CAD) tools to engineering problems
Multi-disciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems, etc.) is a plus
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives
Strong communication skills (including verbal and written) and demonstrated ability to make decisions in a high pressure, time sensitive environment
Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
Demonstrated proactiveness and initiate to drive to results
Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

Responsibilities

Learn and understand test systems; requires the ability to respond and make decisions quickly to alarms/alerts in fast paced, high pressure situations, ensuring the safety of the test crew, the facility, and the test article
Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support)
Coordinate work with the appropriate area superintendent, craft supervisor, and / or work planner and provide technical leadership to the craft workforce in execution of work orders and operational / maintenance procedures (work instructions, WIs), Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO), critical lifts, etc
Ensure proper test / operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, Test Unit Status Logs, Test Article Activity Logs, unplanned event reporting, etc.)
Perform facility characterization/ calibrations, monitor facility performance, and maintain system capability / performance maps and envelopes
Operate assigned test cell systems effectively
Work to develop the test operational requirements (test period directives, detailed run programs, etc.) ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound to withstand expected test
Direct test system checkouts and testing as required
Work with multidiscipline engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the test control room in operating the facility systems
Work extra hours and/or support off shift testing as required
Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication
Perform other related duties as required