Sr. Spacecraft Vibration Test Engineer

Job Description:

This position is based in Midland, Texas. The successful candidate will be a structural dynamics engineer with deep experience defining, directing and reporting on swept sine vibration testing of spacecraft.  This includes understanding how to specify test levels, instrumentation locations, and especially how to implement response and force limiting.  Understanding laboratory equipment used in this type of testing is mandatory.  Adjacent testing skills in random vibration, acoustic, and shock is valuable.  Some proficiency in Nastran analysis is desired.

AST is looking for talented professionals who are innovative, creative, and ready to challenge the status quo.  The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to work independently on complex problems.

Responsibilities:

Determine sine vibration base input levels and author sine vibration test plans

Serve as Test Director for sine vibration testing; working with test lab personnel to ensure proper test runs are conducted in a timely manner

Ability to work with existing team and learn current processes

Report on testing, including preparing launch vehicle tailored summaries

Prepare for test readiness by working across disciplines during the spacecraft integration

Participate in material and failure review boards

Compile lessons learned and lead continuous process improvement

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in swept sine vibration of spacecraft:

Test Planning and Instrumentation selection

Test Readiness

Test Level definition

Data Validation

Base Input Control

Notching and Overshoots

Test Reporting

Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers.

Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

Must be a US Person for ITAR requirements

Minimum Technical Skillset:

Strong knowledge of MS Excel and Matlab

SDOF system response to vibration and other closed form techniques

Very strong competency in MS Office tools

Familiarity with Vibration Control

Understanding of Accelerometers & Data Acquisition practices

Data Validation in with time and frequency domain signals

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

MS degree preferred focused in structural dynamics or a related specialty

Ability to code in any number of languages or toolset API to automate rudimentary tasks and improve efficiency

Experience leading random vibration testing

Experience leading acoustic testing

Experience leading shock testing

Knowledge of and experience with determining environmental test criteria

Basic Finite Element Analysis in Nastran

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.