Engineering Technician V - Military Veterans

Perform the role of Engineering Technician at NASA's Planetary Aeolian Laboratory (PAL) research facility, leading the day-to-day operation of the facility, performing maintenance and repairs, and supporting test preparation and test execution. This position may also include limited surge support for

the Arc Jet test facilities. Assist in the development and construction of test-dependant hardware. Perform assignments that are not completely standardized or prescribed. Select or adapt standard procedures or equipment using applicable precedents. Receive initial instructions, equipment requirements, and advice from supervisor or engineer as needed and perform recurring work independently. Work is reviewed for technical adequacy or conformity with instructions.

Responsibilities will include the following:

1. Prepares and operates the Planetary Aeolian Laboratory, including setup, checkout and operation of the facility and related equipment.

2. Independently troubleshoot issues with facility, communicating issues to Facility Manager and coordinating support requested from other groups.

3. Collaborate with Facility Manager, test customers, and researchers to coordinate day-to-day operation.

4. Updating Standard Operating Procedures and other facility documentation as needed.

5. Works with and has a good understanding of environmental test chambers, leak detectors, and vacuum systems.

6. Operates facility overhead crane, manlifts, forklifts, and portable cranes.

7. Fabricates, installs, operates, and maintains mechanical control test panels, and special test equipment.

8. Operates tools that may be necessary to support the facility and such as a drill press, power hacksaw, lathes, milling machines air wrenches, drills, grinders, etc.

9. Must be a leader in knowing and following safety, quality, and environmental practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Unusual or Special Physical Requirements of Position

• Works from ladders, scaffolding, catwalks, cranes, suspended platforms or cages, etc.

• Works while bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, or in a prone position for extended time periods.

• Works in closely confined spaces.

• Lifts and carries items up to 50 pounds, sometimes up and down stairways, where lifting devices and hoists are not available.

• Pushes and pulls heavy objects.

• Ability to use hearing and vision protection and respiratory equipment.

Description of Work Environment

• Work indoors and out in high and low temperatures and in all types of weather conditions.

• Work in dusty, noisy, hot, high humidity, dirty, and greasy environment.

• Work in areas where there may be materials that are irritating to eyes, nose, throat, and skin requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Work with other personnel in a group that is Team Oriented.

• Accept and work within established policies and procedures pertaining to company rules and regulations.

Equipment and Machines Involved in Work Tasks

• Forklifts

• Manlifts such as JLG, scissor lift, etc.

• Cranes

• Mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic hand tools

Criticality of Attendance

Hiring organization works a 9/80 schedule with 9-hour days and every other Friday off. Work hours are 6:30 am to 4:00 pm. Testing may occur any day or time of day within this schedule depending on the schedule and test requirements. Overtime is sometimes necessary to support meetings, test schedules, and test operations. Regular daily attendance is required to maintain team effectiveness.

Other Essential Functions

Must be able to obtain a NASA badge and maintain access to the workplace facility.

Salary Range: 81,161 - 110,000

1. May possess an A.A./A.S. General Engineering, or other related vocational program with 3 or more years of related experience. Additional years of related experience may count as educational equivalency. Typically, has specialized technical knowledge or experience related to job duties at a practical level along with theoretical knowledge.

2. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of hazardous research aerospace test facilities.

3. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervisory personnel.

4. Ability to use own judgment and decisions to allow continuity of workflow.

5. Must be self-motivated and a team player with good interpersonal and communication skills.

6. Must be able to organize time and assignments to properly prioritize efforts for maximum effectiveness.

7. Must have experience with computers and the use of Microsoft Office.