Wind Tunnel Instrumentation Technician - Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Overview

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

 

This position will be located at NASA’s Langley Research Center.

                                                         

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:The successful candidate will join a team to operate and maintain instrumentation and mechanical systems in NASA LaRC wind tunnels, and/or other facilities safely, effectively, and efficiently. Work will involve the installation, calibration, adjustment, and repair/replacement of measurement equipment in and around the facility.

• The candidate will be responsible for configuring, installing, and maintaining video and lighting systems for monitoring wind tunnel models during testing in atmospheric and cryogenic conditions. 
• Must be able to fabricate basic parts/brackets, install parts into systems used in wind tunnel test environments and verify sensors to measure pressure, temperature, force, or acceleration
• Will work with test engineers, facility electricians, and mechanical technicians to troubleshoot system or sensor failures and anomalies
• The successful candidate must be able to read and interpret design documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Will work with test engineers, facility electricians, and mechanical technicians to document and install new measurement systems
• Will perform preventive maintenance on, inspection of, and operation of equipment per documented procedures
• Red line and review drawings
• Create documentation for the operation of new systems

Preferred Skill and Experience:

• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory and basic electronics
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multi meters, soldering techniques, use of crimping tools, lead wire preparation techniques, ohm’s law, continuity testing, pinning out connectors, routing and tie wrapping cables
• System level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation problems and determine corrective action
• Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: Accelerometers, LVDT, Thermocouples, PRTs, RTDs, Cold Junction compensation concepts, TC bonding concepts
• Background should include experience with the following: fabricating cables, lacing techniques, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of techniques for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and force
• Experience with operation and maintenance of rotating machinery, hydraulic and pneumatic system, pumps, and valves
• Experience soldering wire harnesses and developing wiring diagrams
• Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating Systems
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Knowledge in Data Acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI based)
• Experience with communications systems or closed circuit TV systems a plus.

Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required. Two (2) years of college with courses in computer science, mathematics, or related engineering courses, plus four (4) years of related experience in data reduction and analysis, or any equivalent combination of relevant education and experience for a total of six (6) years. 

[For example: Military electronics training and experience, or have experience working in a Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required.]

                                                                           Essential Functions

Work Environment:Office environment. (10%). Test/Industrial Environment – May be exposed to areas of high noise levels, hazardous propellants, explosives, chemicals and industrial facilities. (80%)  Travel between facilities and test operations may be required and may bring exposure to loud noise and potentially hazardous equipment and chemical operations. (10%)

Physical Requirements:Must have sufficient mobility to enter into confined spaces, work at various heights, and crawl into or onto various assemblies while maintaining a clear vision of safety is required (50%). Potential exposure to high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, propellants and the like (20%). Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, twist and sit for extended periods as well as climb, crawl, and lift up to 35lbs (30%)

Equipment and Machines:Facility operations display/keyboards/mechanical/electrical control/HMI. Machine, power, and hand tools. Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, copier, etc.) (30%) Attendance:Regular attendance mandatory (100%)Overtime/work outside normal schedule required (<20%)Travel required (<<5%)