Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (supporting the Air Force Research Lab)

ASRC Federal Systems Solutions, a subsidiary of ASRC Federal, requires a highly motivated Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the ASTROS Contract. We are looking for someone with the ability to support from Test Buildup through to full scale testing of new propulsion systems.  We support the testing of incredible propulsion systems at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and we are looking for the best people to be a part of this research. Responsibilities: Lead the planning, preparation, integration, and execution of propulsion system and component tests supporting AFRL research and development programs. Develop, review, and approve test procedures, test plans, test matrices, operating procedures, readiness documentation, and post-test reports. Support component and system-level design and engineering analysis for propulsion hardware and test systems. Evaluate valves, actuators, combustion devices, pressure vessels, piping, instrumentation, fluid systems, and associated propulsion components. Apply engineering principles involving fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, structural mechanics, materials, and high-pressure/cryogenic systems. Review or perform CAD, thermal, structural, FEA, CFD, and other engineering analyses as required. Manage propulsion interfaces, ensuring compatibility with vehicle-level architecture. Work with project team to ensure test stand build-up is on schedule and will meet customer requirements. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on fabrication, assembly, and process improvements. Ensure Work Authorizations are written, reviewed by test site leadership, issued to technicians and follow-up is occurring through to closing the Work Authorization out. Review test control room analysis to ensure the proper tools are in place and test personnel are trained.   Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and drive design reviews Must be able to assess test stand structures for safety, quality and adherence to regulations and clearly communicate findings to the Customer’s Site Leader. Serve or observe the test dry runs and evaluate team and systems performance. Participate on or lead the Test Panel, providing engineering judgment and technical recommendations during test readiness reviews, pre-test meetings, test execution, and post-test evaluations. Must be able to develop relationship with buildup crew and create a strong team environment Diagnose propulsion-system and test-facility problems using engineering data, instrumentation, system diagrams, operating procedures, and direct hardware inspection. Provide routine briefings to Program Team, Customers and Program Manager of all assigned tasks related to Test Facility Build up. Assist in supporting senior leadership during a test readiness review prior to receiving customer’s permission to test. Must have the ability to maintain a professional demeanor Must have effective written and verbal communication skills Education/Experience Engineering Degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering or a related Engineering Degree 8+ years of experience with flight propulsion components, preferably in aerospace Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software and CAE tools for structural/thermal analysis. Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and material science for high-pressure or cryogenic applications. Experience in hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.    Additional Qualifications: Strong understanding of propulsion systems, fluid systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion, structural mechanics, and materials. Experience with high-pressure, cryogenic, vacuum, gaseous, liquid, or other hazardous propulsion/test systems. Proficiency with engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, system architectures, technical specifications, and test documentation. Experience with 3D CAD and engineering analysis tools; familiarity with FEA and CFD is preferred. Experience with instrumentation, sensors, controls, data acquisition, and test-data analysis. Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis capabilities. Ability to interpret real-time test data and make sound engineering decisions under time-critical operating conditions. Clearance: Must be able to obtain a DOD secret clearance.