Research Laboratory Mechanic (PTC)

Performs mechanical-related technical assignments within a research laboratory test environment. This position will support operations of research tests by maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing research hardware and mechanical systems or equipment for the In-Space Propulsion (ISP) Test Facility within the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC). This position creates value for the facility by performing preventative and corrective maintenance leading to increased uptime and reliability, thus helping the facility to meet quality testing goals.

1. May operate facility overhead crane, man-lifts, forklifts, and portable cranes.  Provides rigging for lifting equipment and material, including lifting straps, chain hoists, and other lifting devices.
2. May weld horizontally, overhead, and vertically using oxy-acetylene, AC-DC electric arc, M.I.G., and T.I.G. using a variety of material including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.
3. May operate machine tools such as a drill press, power hacksaw, band saw, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, mills, and grinders.  May operate small power tools including air wrenches, drills, grinders, etc.
4. May lay out and build complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders.
5. May disassemble, remove, repair, reassemble, and verify various types of valves, and pressure regulators.  Must be familiar with an operating environment to ensure hardware materials are compatible with flow media properties including pressure and temperature.
6. May operate hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas systems including gas tubers, pressure reduction stations, pressure pumps, and seals, etc.
7. May work with and be required to have a basic understanding of environmental test chambers, mass spectrometer leak detectors, and vacuum systems.
8. Assists in the installation and operation of intricate research test packages in various test facilities.
9. May fabricate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical control test panels, and special test equipment.  May operate, maintain, and calibrate leak detection systems.
10. May perform general maintenance on mechanical vacuum pumping equipment, diffusion pumps, cryo-pumps, steam ejector systems, heat exchangers, and cryogenic systems.
11. May perform inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment and facility operating systems.  Make recommendations related to maintenance and repair of same.
12. May fabricate, install, and operate cryogenic systems including liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or liquid helium.

1. Must have a minimum of 4 years working experience as a Journeyman Level Mechanic such as a Maintenance Mechanic or Machine Repair Technician.
2. Completion of a 4-year State approved apprenticeship program with a Journeyman’s certificate highly desired or have equivalent vocational school training with sufficient combined work experience and skills.
3. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of research test facilities and associated equipment.
4. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervision.
5. Ability to use own judgment and decisions to allow continuity of workflow.
6. Must be able to organize time and assignments to properly prioritize efforts for maximum effectiveness.
7. Must be self-motivated and a team player with good interpersonal and communication skills.