Pyrotechnic Engineer - Space Systems
New Today
Position Summary
Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Pyrotechnic Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the Power and Propulsion Projects section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract.
This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As a Pyrotechnic Engineer, you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!
We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning.
Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a ten (10) years of experience. This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire.
**International travel may be required. Straight time overtime, 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), and/or 1 day of telework per week may be available**
Duties And Responsibilities
Some of your major responsibilities will include:
Apply extensive job practices, techniques, standards, principles, theories, and concepts.
Support requirements development, design reviews, test and verification plans and other technical reviews of NASA pyrotechnic systems.
Manage a small team assembly line for manufacturing electro-explosive initiators and detonators for NASA
Perform oversight function and advise NASA employees and contractors responsible for development of pyro systems designs for NASA.
Perform root cause analysis.
Perform environmental testing such as shock, vibration, and thermal cycle
Test both flight and development hardware
Test and build pyrotechnic hardware
Test hardware that is hazardous under extreme conditions
Prepare Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Hazards Analyses
Procure requirements from Test Requesters
Establish test hardware installation steps and responsibilities from Test Requesters and drawings
Present Test Plan, Procedures, and Hazardous Analysis at Test Readiness Review (TRR)
Develop test programs cost estimates and schedules in conjunction with Facility Engineer and Group Lead
Design and fabricate test hardware to STE/D and GSE standards to support test efforts
Use flight drawings to replicate flight-like interfaces
Create part drawings from CAD models for fabrication
Support problem resolution and provide recommendations for resolving technical issues.
Mentor new engineers to develop technical writing, continuous improvement projects and standardizing procedures
Maintained a safe and collaborative work environment with near-miss reporting and process hazard assessments (PHA)
Provide engineering support for in-house assembly of pyrotechnic and explosive devices
Develop assembly, x-ray, inspection and test procedures to comply with next level customer design specifications
Create 3D models and drawings for tooling and production hardware using Pro/E Wildfire 5.0
Worked on various pyro devices such as NSIs, Frangible Nuts, Frangible Joints, Riser Cutters, and Reefing Line Cutters
Procure, build, and perform acceptance testing on Orion Riser Cutters for Artemis 3+ (2019 – Present)
Performed Qualification tests and phase 3 review for the Orion Riser Cutters for Artemis 1 and 2
Track and procure flight hardware piece parts for pyro builds (Frangible Nut and Riser Cutter)
Create Statements of Work (SOW) for vendor contracts
Work with vendors to ensure product quality and time requirements
Track and verify quantity and shelf life of all parts
Provide insight and advice on design efficiency.
Train new test directors on mechanical shock testing and random vibration
Assist in the development of new software for processing shock test data
Maintain a professional relationship.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
A BS Engineering degree from an accredited engineering school and typically a minimum of ten (10) years of related experience
Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering Processes
Experience writing TPS's, EO's, and DR's for running and documenting tests
Skilled in using principles and practices involved in the definition, design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, and operations of pyrotechnic systems including all elements within a pyrotechnic system. Elements include but are not limited to, initiators, detonators, safe and arm devices, explosive transfer lines, pyro valves, riser cutters, reefing line cutters, shaped charges, separation bolts, frangible joints, frangible nuts, through bulkhead initiators, cartridge assemblies, and mechanically actuated devices.
Experienced with pyrotechnic flight hardware qualification, certification, and acceptance tests.
Knowledge of oversight required for Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) hardware over the development life cycle
Experienced in definition of pyrotechnic system architecture, component/device design, structural interfaces, NASA safety standards, pyrotechnic standards, and operational requirements.
Skilled in systems engineering and scientific principles and practices of pyrotechnic systems for spacecraft development and evaluation, including cost/risk trades, design optimization, problem resolution and hardware enhancements or improvements.
Skilled in maintaining excellent communication, awareness of expectations, and relationships with direct supervisors, and Center, Agency and other high level stakeholders.
Experience in Fundamentals of Pyrotechnic Design
Experience in Manufacturing/Project Engineering
Experience in Program Management
Experience in Pro-Engineer/ Solidworks (3D Modeling)
Skilled in FMEA Methodology
Skilled in Laser and Resistance Welding
Skilled in Matlab/ Minitab / Excel VBA Programming
Experience in New Product Development
Experience in Geometric Dimension & Tolerancing (GD&T)
Proficient in MS Office / Technical Writing
PREFERRED:
Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering processes.
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional certification.
Working knowledge of NASA, JSC, and ISS standard practices and requirements including safety, fault tolerance, and unique disciplines.
Familiarity with NASA/JSC documentation databases and SharePoint sites.
Familiarity with state-of-the-art requirements management and model-based systems engineering tools.
Basic knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the space hardware field, such as mechanical and electrical system design, engineering drawings and sketches, and material selection.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
- Location:
- Houston