Structural Dynamics Engineer (Finance)

Description

Our Structural Dynamics and Loads team is a high performing group executing challenging tasks for dynamic analysis of propulsion systems. As an experienced Dynamics Analyst, your expertise will provide valuable insight in the development, test, and certification of liquid engine rocket propulsion systems for a wide variety of NASA's ongoing and future projects. You will provide technical oversight in the evaluation and design of liquid engine elements.

Responsibilities:
Primary job duties include:

• Engaging with vehicle development teams to provide insight on liquid engine rocket propulsion systems, as well as producing independent analyses.
• Performing dynamic analyses of turbopump engine elements, as well as assessing the rotordynamic characteristics of high-speed turbomachinery.
• Collaborating with liquid engine vendors on integrated development flight hardware and associated ground test equipment, effectively communicating qualification test requirements and verifying compliance with specification requirements.

Essential Functions

Work Environment:

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (10%). Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and other facilities (10%).

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance:

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Requirements

Qualifications

A BS degree (MS preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics or related field with an emphasis in structural dynamics is required. A degree from an ABET accredited institution preferred. Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a minimum of a Masters with at least 3 years of experience, or BS with at least 5 years of experience.

Required Skills:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the application of finite element methods, empirical closed-form structural dynamics analysis techniques, and the assessment of failure mechanisms.
• Specialized expertise in the development and test-validation of high-speed turbomachinery components with familiarity in methodologies and tools to predict characteristics such as rotordynamic coefficients for damping seals and annular seals.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with NASA standards and MSFC Specifications, as well as qualification / certification requirements and processes associated with rocket propulsion systems and human-rated vehicles is also highly desired.
• Familiarity with one or more major commercial finite element code such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or ANSYS.
  
• Familiarity with engine test programs and structural test support, including instrumentation and interpretation of results.
• Utilizing structural test results to verify and validate structural analysis predictions is also a plus.

Benefits

Qualis is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.