Chemist/Scientist 1/2

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, NM.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

This is a full-time position at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in support of the Chemistry Laboratory. The scientist will perform analytical tasks, conduct, and assist research and evaluation associated with analytical work, prepares job instructions, technical project plans, attends national and international technical conferences, technical exchange meetings, publish and present technical papers and data to the technical community as the NASA White Sands Test Facility representative. The position consists of applying analytical skills and providing technical leadership to laboratory team efforts and project goals. The candidate may perform other duties as assigned by the Branch Manager. The scientist is responsible for performing instrument trouble shooting, laboratory maintenance, and optimization as required. Testing with hazardous chemicals such as propellants, oxidizers, and toxic chemicals that are unique to NASA and other government agencies or their industry partners will be required. The preparation of test plans that meet customer requirements is also required. The scientist is responsible for delivering high quality data on time, within schedule and budget. Direct interaction with peers and customers will be required.

Scientist/Chemist I requirements:

BS or BA degree in chemistry.

Scientist/Chemist II requirements:  BS or BA degree in chemistry and a minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of related general lab operations experience.

Knowledge of chemistry lab safety protocols and good laboratory practices is required. Excellent communication (oral, written, presentation) and interpersonal skills are also required.

The following attributed are considered a plus.

• Experience with hypergolic propellant handling and analysis, specifically Nitrogen Tetroxide, Monomethyl Hydrazine, and Hydrazine.
• Experienced with Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), wet chemical techniques, method validation, procedural development, and report preparation.
• Prior White Sands Test Facility experience.
• Master’s degree.