Diamond Turning Engineer

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Our comprehensive benefits package includes wellness programs, 11 paid holidays, parental leave, paid time off, employee perks and much more.  With these benefits, plus the option for flexible schedules and possible remote a few days a week (depending on customer requirements) we'll support you as you pursue a balanced, fulfilling life-at work and at home.

This position supports the Optical Systems Design and Fabrication branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in the fabrication of normal incidence and grazing incidence mirrors for astrophysical telescopes operating in the infra-red through X-ray spectrum.  The selected candidate will be an integral member of a diverse team of technicians, engineers and scientists that engage in the development of mirror systems and flight hardware.  The selected candidate will: support the development and execution of manufacturing processes for normal incidence and grazing incidence mirrors utilizing precision single-point Diamond Turning lathes, oversee/perform the setup of machines and the fabrication of high precision optical components, provide recommendations and input, based on fabrication capabilities and best practices, for the design of grazing incidence and normal incidence mirrors and/or assemblies, 
interpret customer specifications and requirements and collect and document necessary information and data generated during the fabrication process, work with team members to tackle tough engineering challenges. 

Duties:

• Support/Perform the manufacturing of precision optics including  normal and grazing incidence mirrors  using precision Diamond Turning systems such as a Prectech N700 or Moore M40.
• Support the machining of supporting hardware and tooling, including mounts and fixtures, utilizing either CNC or manual machining methods.
• Develop and document Diamond Turning processes and techniques, through the creation of procedures and manuals.
• Review mechanical drawings for geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and manufacturability.
• Troubleshoot machine hardware, controller, and software. Interface with equipment manufacturers as needed to solve issues.
• Identify and implement corrections to potential job safety hazards.
• Operate overhead bridge hoists to move and assemble mandrel hardware.
• Train and mentor operations personnel on equipment and processes. 
• Assure safety of operators and equipment and follow safety and environmental regulations.
• Function as a team member and/or team leader on focused projects.  
• Support the estimating process for new projects.

A degree in Materials, Mechanical, Optical or related Engineering field is required. Degree from an ABET-accredited university is preferred. Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a Ph.D., with a minimum 9 years of experience, Masters with at least 13 years of experience, or BS with at least 15 years of experience.

Required Skills:

• Experience in precision single-point Diamond Turning
• Familiarity in manual machining such as lathes, mills, presses, etc.
  Ability to fully read and understand mechanical drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Ability to complete required personnel safety training and certification.
• An extremely strong safety attitude and commitment to safety.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and interaction skills
• Able to handle multiple complex tasks and set priorities.
• Able to collaborate across organizational boundaries and integrate solutions
• Computer acumen with MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint

Desired Skills:

• Mechanical design, especially in AutoCad Inventor, PTC Creo, Siemens NX, or a related product
• Knowledge of reflective and refractive optics and their manufacture
• Multi-axis, precision machine tool knowledge and programming skills
• Process development
• Experience with FANUC 32i controller programming and use.

Essential Functions

Work Environment: 
Optical fabrication area (70%), and general office environment (30%). Office and laboratory environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<5%).

Physical Requirements:
Requires standing, sitting, and walking in a laboratory environment with hazards that may require wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, lab coats, face shields, hard hats, and gloves. Work will be performed on-site at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.

Equipment and Machines: 
Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 
Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.