Systems Engineer - Compressor Station

The candidate for this role will work in the Nasa Langley Research Center's (LaRC) high pressure air (HPA) compressor station. The compressor station comprises 3 large compressors with a fourth new compressor currently in the process of acceptance testing, as well as other support systems required for compressor operations. The compressors can generate up to 6,000 psia air for use in supporting operations of various wind tunnels and other research test facilities at LaRC. HPA is critical to the support these facilities provide to NASA critical missions, and demand usually exceeds capacity so maximizing uptime and HPA production is also critical. The candidate would be responsible for collaborative proposal planning and monitoring of efforts, or proposing improvements to processes, tools or equipment that would have a positive impact on Maintenance, Reliability, and Performance of the compressors and associated equipment. The candidate would also perform as an expert equipment system engineer to participate in or lead design, develop, and optimize equipment systems, focusing on ensuring reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Participate in and often lead developing requirements, evaluating design concepts, and implementing equipment systems to meet production requirements, considering factors like performance, cost, and schedule.
• Maintenance and Optimization: Involved in the scheduling and performance of maintenance and repairs, conducting inspections, and developing preventative maintenance schedules and recommending capital investments to minimize downtime and improve equipment efficiency.
• Troubleshooting: Assist competent technicians and specialists in identifying and resolving issues with equipment systems and recommending solutions for continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Working with other departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure equipment systems meet quality, cost, and delivery goals.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate equipment documentation and records such as Conducting Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and Mean Time Between Failure Analysis, acceptance test results, logs and notes on operation, anomalies, corrective measures.
• Training: Provide technical support and training to production personnel, identify and arrange for third party training.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Technical Expertise:

Have a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, fluid systems, and control systems/PLCs, as well as validation engineering skills. Experience with machinery similar to what is in use at LaRC is a plus.

• Problem-Solving:

Have the ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions utilizing effective communication and trend analysis. Accomplish trade studies to recommend best options from among alternative solutions.

• Communication:

Be able to clearly and effectively communicate and interact with various skilled people and teams - including management, clients, and customers - face-to-face, and via written reports, presentations, and emails.

• Analytical Skills:

Ability to analyze data and information to identify trends and patterns and provide recommendations in line with improving reliability.

• Software and Hardware Knowledge:

Familiarity with relevant software, hardware, and equipment used in the industry, life cycle-based needs, longevity, state of the art and future of the industry.

• Project Management:

Ability to manage small in-facility efforts as projects from conception to completion, with interim progress reporting and ensuring they are completed on time all while satisfying requirements.

U.S. Citizenship required. BS degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited engineering school and three (3) to five (5) years related engineering experience, or MS degree from an accredited engineering school and two (2) to three (3) years of related engineering experience.

Experience and/or some education in Business Management preferred. Must have demonstrated ability to supervise and lead teams in preparing and conducting maintenance and repairs to maintain good interpersonal relations with team members while meeting time, quality, and cost requirements; to recognize the importance of customer relations; to respond properly to changing customer needs; and to multi-process inputs with a coherent output. Industry-specific certifications can enhance career prospects.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Office Environment (30%) Machinery plant Environment- May be exposed to areas of high noise levels, hazardous propellants, chemicals, and industrial facility environments (60%). Travel between various facilities/test operations is required (10%). Some domestic and international travel may occasionally be required.

Physical Requirements

Must have sufficient mobility to enter all areas of test facilities; crawl, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, ability to work at elevated levels on platforms and scaffolding, etc.

Equipment

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.) with knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. Be familiar with use and need for safety and personal protective equipment.

Attendance

Regular onsite attendance mandatory. Overtime/work outside normal schedule will sometimes be required.

Other Essential Functions

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
• Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety/risk hazard to the employee or others.
• The work environment requires the ability to cooperate and work with individuals at all levels of the company and the client.