Video Systems Engineer

NASA Ames Simulation Laboratories (SimLabs) at NASA Ames Research Center consists of the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), with a 60 ft. vertical motion system and interchangeable cabs, which can be customized to simulate any aerospace vehicle; the Crew Vehicle Systems Research facility (CVSRF), which houses the B747-400 flight simulator; and Future Flight Central (FFC), an Air Traffic Control/Air Traffic Management (ATC/ATM) simulation facility dedicated to solving present and emerging capacity problems of the nation's airports. SimLabs’ mission is to provide up to date reliable simulation facilities that our customers can use to perform research and experimentation in aviation related disciplines. The Flight Simulator Technician position performs critical electronics installation, testing, and maintenance on these highly specialized and one-of-a-kind research simulators, enabling SimLabs to remain a world-class facility performing leading edge aerospace experiments.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

The Video Systems Engineer ‘s responsibilities include system design, integration, adaptation, project scheduling, and installation of visual and voice communication system hardware and electronics at the NASA Ames Research Center, flight simulation and research laboratories (collectively known as “SimLab”). SimLab facilities include the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), the Crew Vehicle Simulation Research Facility (CVSRF) and Future Flight Central (FFC), and the Aeronautics Experience Center. Each facility employs a diverse suite of visual and voice communication technologies to affect real-time, human in the loop, aircraft, spacecraft, air traffic and management simulations.

The Video Systems Engineer will work in concert with the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) team, simulation engineers, software engineers, NASA engineers and researchers to provide visual and voice communication capabilities required to meet specified research goals and test objectives.

The Video Systems Engineer will coordinate closely with the M&O Manger, engineers, and technicians to schedule, coordinate and execute multiple phased integration efforts, synchronize development tasks and optimize verification and validation tasks to minimize down-time.

The Visual Systems Engineer will be required to develop a work plan, manage installation, calibrate systems, and conduct or oversee acceptance testing of approved and funded system designs.

Required Skills

The successful candidate will have experience with system design, specification, evaluation, integration, test, adaptation, and maintenance of high-performance audio and video system technologies for real-time piloted flight simulation research including, but not limited to:

• Display Systems—Projection Display Technologies, Direct View Display Technologies, Helmet Mounted Display Systems, Heads Up/Down Display Systems, Aviation Night Vision Technologies, Head and Eye Tracking Technologies
• Visual Image Generation Systems—Realtime Out-the-Window Image Generation for Visual Flight Simulation (RSI – other); Commercial IG systems and PC based Image Generation systems (Windows/Linux)
• Large Scale Video Switch Routing Matrix and Distribution Technologies—Analog RGsB, Digital, Video Distribution Amplifiers
• Video Cable Plant Technologies
  • Fiber Optic
  • Copper (Coax, HDMI, DVI, VGA, Display Port, Cat X)
• Special Effects Generation Technologies—Video Mix/Key, Video Wall, Augmented Synthetic Visualization
• Streaming Video Technologies—Recording, Distribution, Video On Demand Streaming Server Technologies
• Sound and Voice Communications System Experience
  • Network based simulated Radio Communications systems
  • Audio system design and implementation

• Ability to organize, plan, and coordinate effectively in large-scale projects
• Ability to independently establish relevant actions and priorities to meet program goals
• Excellent problem solving, communications, and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Avionics, or similar discipline or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated direct experience in the management of complex, multi-year, multi-faceted engineering projects with successful results
• Demonstrated experience managing a team of technicians and engineers
• 10+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, IT systems technology, avionics, simulation, mechanical/electrical engineering and/or other related fields, with successful management experience in long-term complex projects
• Understanding of networking and distributed computing environments
• Operational experience with mechanical systems

Physical Demands

Maintain physical conditioning appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; in the course of a typical day expect more than normal walking and stair climbing than found in a typical office environment. May be exposed to work areas that pose risks associated with the environment and equipment in use, requiring attention to detail and safe practices. This position may require an annual physical exam and formal safety training.

Desired skills:

• Experience with Extron video system
• Experience with two-way DIS voice communications systems, including ATSi or Plexsys
• Experience designing and constructing control rooms and associated video, audio, consoles, and networks

EEOE including Vets and Disability

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position