Fluids Engineer (Fgse)

Job Summary:

Under limited supervision, this position supports the overall technical direction and design of engineered systems at the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) facility. Areas of support are: cryogenic, pneumatic, fuel, electrical, control, hydraulic, structural, HVAC, and water systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform designs and system reviews to verify systems are designed in accordance with national codes and standards, as well as verifying the system performance is optimal for requested need.
• Work directly as MARS customer interface for capital projects and mission support.
• Assist in requirements development with customers to verify requests are within available system operating parameters with proper margins.
• Work with Operations and Maintenance Team to perform system activation, data analysis, system fine tuning, and assist in root cause analysis for non-conformances occurring within the FGSE.
• Develop and review flow and stress analysis to verify system design is adequate and proper for operating conditions. This includes fluid and gas system modeling.
• Provides guidance and instruction to junior engineering positions on design, functional and operational understanding of the launch pad and other systems.
• Directs coordination with other internal groups including Operations and Maintenance, Quality and Safety, and the management teams as needed.
• Develops, reviews, and approves task requirements and task plans that include budget/cost estimates, schedule, and performance criteria, while maintaining compliance with all Management, Quality, Certification, Cleanliness Documentation, and Safety Policies.
• Plans formal training for the MARS technical staff, as needed, to support maintenance and operation and required certifications.
• Assists in the development of engineering process documentation, technical calculations, design review packages, certification packages, and overseeing all engineering related documentation for MARS.

Assist in the management and oversee the development of operational system parameters related to customer requirements.

• Supervises and participates in field inspections and reviews of operational launch pads and other systems to assess conformance with design and operational requirements.
• Supervises and generates system change documentation to increase operating efficiency, performance, safety, and reliability.
• Responsible for oversight and management of maintenance, alteration, and operational tasks safely, efficiently and within allocated budget/schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role supervises the development and implementation of designs pertaining to any engineering discipline for FGSE located at the MARS facilities. In addition, this role provides input and oversight for high-risk non-conformances with data analysis, fault tree development, and assistance in the development of the high-level corrective action plan or system redesign. This position will oversee development teams as required during the design and implementation process. Must be capable of managing projects spanning across multiple disciplines and departments within the company and its contractors.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Client Focus - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and secure reliable transportation to the Authority’s Norfolk Office to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Offices and facilities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
• Must be able to maintain secured access to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and supporting facilities.

• Position requires a strong base of knowledge of engineering practices and principles. Experience with pneumatic, cryogenic, hydraulic and other liquid, and control systems preferred.
• Technical writing competency to portray ideas, detailed designs, and overall processes in a manner that is professional and concise with proper details.
• Requires ability to manage multiple major projects in parallel by both performing design work as well as being project engineer and overseeing all technical aspects.
• Must effectively demonstrate the ability to create plans, establish priorities and allocate resources to achieve a specific objective.
• Must be flexible in working in a cross-disciplined environment with other engineers.

Education and/or Experience

At least five years of directly related work experience with complex engineered systems is required. Direct work experience with space launch ground support systems is desired. At least seven years of related work experience in the design, development, construction, or operation of complex systems with Professional Engineer licensure or equivalent responsible charge will fulfill prior five year directly related work experience requirement. Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or a related field (physics, chemistry, biomechanics) from an accredited college or university is preferred and can be taken into consideration versus work experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.