10592 - Mechanical Engineer II, Instrument Mechanical Engineering, Structures and Configuration

Will Statement Will: be a member of the Structures and Configuration Group (355E) within the Instrument Mechanical Engineering Section and will report to the Group Supervisor. Will be responsible for developing and maintaining the mechanical configuration of a space telescope, as well as eventually designing, fabricating, testing and delivering space flight hardware for this mission. Will perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor. In compliance with programmatic constraints, investigates, plans, designs and develops, mechanical products and systems such as spacecraft, instruments, robots, packaged electronics, controls, engines, and machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, propulsion, or heat transfer systems for the production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. Maintains cognizance of and is responsible for all technical and programmatic aspects of the product being developed, reporting the status and performance to the appropriate organizations. Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.• Performs complex and varied job functions and activities within discipline.• Evaluates and devises approaches to meet engineering requirements.• Develops complex mechanical components from design requirements • Attends subsystem reviews and answers questions regarding own analysis.• Develops and prepares complex requirements and interface agreements.• Performs complex analyses and trade studies.• Works independently on important assignments and projects with only limited supervision, typically receiving only general instructions.• Exercises discretion and independent judgment to compare and evaluate various methods, approaches, and resources and decide which will best accomplish each aspect of such assignments and projects.• Responsible for completing significant project or assignment milestones.• Failure to achieve results or erroneous decisions will likely have a substantial adverse impact on team or functional organization’s ability to achieve significant project objectives.• Provides direction and mentoring to others within the organization. • Regular use of creativity and innovation to address important issues.• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in evaluating potential approaches and solutions to significant problems and determining appropriate resolutions.• Interactions normally involve exchanging and validating comprehensive and analytical information.• Frequent interaction with customers and peers inside and outside organization on significant matters. • Occasional interactions with industry organizations.• Contributes as a key team member on teams inside or outside own organization, project, activity or function.• May lead teams. Skills Required Skills: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Masters degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines.• Broad knowledge in one or more of the following related fields: mechanical engineering, opto-mechanical engineering. • Extensive understanding and wide application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in space instrument configuration.• Ability to develop CAD models.• Ability to work with outside organizations.• Conversant with actuator systems and controls.Desired Skills:• Knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.• Some understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. • Experience with some aspects of human spaceflight would be beneficial for this project, which will work with the International Space Station.• Experience developing cost estimates.