Materials Engineer II/III

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 on the TEST3 contract, located at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) 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 Materials Technology Laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute key technical support to the Materials Technology Group, which provides materials characterization, mechanical testing, nondestructive testing, corrosion evaluation, materials selection, and failure analysis services.  Responsibilities include technical consultation to internal and external customers, interpretation of codes and specifications, development of laboratory procedures, preparation and presentation of formal documents such as reports, standards, and other technical papers. This position requires previous experience with and the ability to analyze test data and apply fundamental NDE techniques such as liquid penetrant, radiography, and ultrasonics, as well as experience with SEM/EDS analysis techniques. Previous experience involving material compatibility with hypergolic propellants is highly desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION

Position involves extended periods of sitting or standing. Physical requirements are sitting, walking, standing, extensive use of stairs, and access to remote structures.  Typically required to lift and hold up to 30 pounds.  This position is located within a hazardous testing facility, and this position also requires the ability to quickly evacuate buildings in the event of an emergency.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

Desk/office work and test area work.  Test area work involves standing and directing technical personnel.  Position requires individual to travel to different areas on site.  Walking on uneven terrain including paved areas, gravel/rocks, and dirt/sand is required to access various locations on the facility.  All work must be completed in a safe manner in accordance with NASA and Company safety standards.

EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES INVOLVED IN WORK TASKS

Computer work required.  Proficiency with MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. 

Use of calculator, printer, scanner, telephone, filing cabinets, and other standard office equipment is required. 

CRITICALITY OF ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance and punctuality is required.  Overtime may be required in support of test project schedules or other priority assignments as determined by management or customer needs.  Normal working hours are nine (9) hour per day with some flexibility based on pre-approval.  A condensed work schedule, allowing alternate Fridays off, is typically in use for each two week pay cycle (9-80 schedule).  Personnel in the branch are cross-trained to allow for normal planned vacation and sick leave.

OTHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.  Must work well under pressure to meet deadline requirements.  Dress must be appropriate for the position and not pose a safety risk or hazard to the employee or others in accordance with NASA and Company policies. Must be a U.S Citizen.  Must possess a valid state driver’s license. Must pass a Federal background investigation.  Must be able to pass a physical examination as determined by the NASA White Sands Test Facility and the Company for the job classification.  Must submit to pre-employment drug testing. Must maintain site access to NASA facilities and computer systems.

BS degree in Materials Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program and 2-5 years (level II) or 5-10 years (level III) of related engineering experience is required.  Additional experience in pursuit of a graduate degree in Science, Materials Science, or Materials Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program is preferred. Degrees in engineering technology are not considered to be qualifying for this position.  Previous Project Leadership experience is highly desired, particularly projects performed at WSTF.