Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will participate in the development of the hardware components of ground and flight hardware systems that will contribute to accomplishing NASA's mission. This hardware is to be used primarily maintaining the health and well-being of astronauts or conducting experiments on the International Space Station and exploration. The Senior Mechanical Engineer is expected to have high aptitude in mechanical design; concern with producing hardware of the highest quality; and have the capacity to understand and utilize the major concepts of mechanical engineering as well as having a general understanding of the integration of Mechanical engineering principles that will enable the successful interface with engineers performing work in these disciplines.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is expected to:
1) Have extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices and be able to apply that knowledge to make independent decisions on a broad range of space-related engineering problems
2) Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures and criteria and use judgement to make decisions to provide engineering solutions to problems. The Senior Mechanical will receive technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
3) Serve in technical leadership roles
4) Have work reviewed to ensure sound profession judgment has been employed and participate in the review of others work to ensure the quality of that work
5) Perform mechanical engineering work including, but not limited to, requirements generation and definition, hardware conceptual design and test, hardware design and test, hardware detailed design and test, hardware, assembly/fabrication, hardware acceptance and qualification test support, hardware operations support for assigned projects in the Design Engineering and Fabrication Section.
6) Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions and work with limited to minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Know and adhere to company policies, procedures, and work rules, demonstrate a strong work ethic and demonstrate involvement and commitment to the continuous improvement process
• Commitments are met and all are done to the highest quality standards.
• Follow established procedures and generate finished work products under time and budgetary constraints and ensures product yields the expected outcome and meets established quality levels.
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Ability to understand and execute process and procedures
• Well-developed skills in both written and verbal communication
• Mentoring of younger design engineers
• Provide design review oversight and guidance to engineers for projects assigned.
• Perform assigned tasks in requirements/specifications generation and definition, hardware conceptual research, design and test, hardware preliminary design and test, hardware detailed design and test, hardware assembly/fabrication, hardware acceptance and qualification test support, and hardware operations support of assigned projects.
• Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope
• Perform work that involves conventional engineering practices but may include a variety of complex features and difficult coordination requirements
• Application of engineering principles and practice of related specialties
• Ability to communicate with all levels of contract management, peers and customers
• Support ISO/AS9100/CMMI activities and audits
• Ability to determine/track/report project tasking and to status technical, budget, schedule and risks
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering plus 10 years experience or equivalent with at least 5 years in flight hardware development;
• Previous working experience with NASA, NASA contractor or DOD;
• Demonstrated success in working within complex projects in a dynamic environment;
• Experience in developing hardware/products for extremely integrated projects;
• Mentoring younger engineers
• Experience in troubleshooting hardware issues
• Capable of identifying risks and issues, reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options for mitigation and implement solutions;
• Comprehensive knowledge of disciplines within engineering and how to apply appropriate expertise within human spaceflight programs;
• Experience with NASA systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill including presenting information to customers;
• Leadership experience of technical personnel performing complex engineering activities

• Experience in troubleshooting electrical issues
• Experience in machine shop estimation and production planning

• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (MS Office tools)
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to develop and clearly communicate information to technical forums
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead and motivate personnel to high standards of performance and increase efficiency.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, project leads, peers, customers, and with contract colleagues is essential.
• Mature, professional judgment in establishing design artifacts, objectives, milestones and priorities.
• Experience with configuration and data management processes
• Reliable and dependable work habits and the dedication to get the job done.

• Familiarity with NASA or DoD Work Instructions; Experience with NASA systems