Portable Life Support System (plss) Project Engineer - Space Systems

Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Project Engineer

Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Project Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the PLSS Space Suit Technology section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract.

This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Project Engineer, you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!

We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning. Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a two (2) years of experience. This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire. International travel may be required. Straight time overtime, 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), and/or 1 day of telework per week may be available.

Duties And Responsibilities

Some of your major responsibilities will include:

• Perform project engineering functions supporting the spacesuit Portable Life Support System (PLSS), including hardware development, assembly, and maintenance
• Define, develop, procure, and build new ground support equipment (GSE) and test support equipment (TSE) needed for the evaluation of spacesuit hardware
• Plan and execute hardware troubleshooting to investigate mechanical and electrical failures within flight hardware, development test articles, or test support hardware
• Develop essential documentation for the system including assembly procedures, test plans, detailed test procedures, and any additional operations-related products
• Work with the PLSS Team leadership to update plans and agreements for PLSS work scope.
• Work with the PLSS team leads to capture any new risks to the PLSS project/technical scope, or to update the status of PLSS Risk Mitigation Plans.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• A BS Engineering degree from an accredited engineering school and typically a minimum of two (2) years of related experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

PREFFERED:

• Familiarity with Labview
• Experience in a lab or testing environment
• Detailed knowledge of vent loop gas flow rates, pressure management, and PLSS outlet CO2 control in closed loop and open loop modes. Should have detailed knowledge on xEMU selected design goals for each vent loop component.
• Areas of knowledge on each component should include: detailed understanding of each component's design and purpose in the overall vent loop and PLSS design, pressure capabilities, flow rates/delta pressure during flow, and functional operations. Should understand previous vent loop build/manufacturing issues and testing including component checkouts and DVT/TVAC testing.
• Should be able to describe the consequences of making various design alterations to the existing xEMU baseline design.
• Detailed knowledge of thermal control and auxiliary thermal control loops including heat removal capabilities, pressures and flow rates, water/loop materials compatibility, issues with extended quiescent stowage.
• Detailed knowledge of design trades that led to the selection of xEMU thermal loop component designs, detailed knowledge of hardware design, knowledge of xEMU thermal loop hardware build/manufacturing history including issues encountered and resolution, and knowledge of testing including component checkouts and PLSS level DVT/TVAC testing. Should be able to describe the consequences of making various design alterations to the existing xEMU baseline design.
• Experience with pressure systems including relief valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, and the calibration process of each is preferred.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Pay, Benefits And Work Schedule

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.

How To Apply

Regular full-time employees who apply will be considered along with external candidates. Employees with less than six months with their current position are not eligible to apply for job postings. Please discuss your interest in the position with your current manager/supervisor prior to submitting your completed application. It is highly recommended to apply through the PeopleSoft or Oceanet portals.