Senior Liquid Rocket Research Engineer

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Senior Liquid Rocket Research Engineer will provide expert technical advisory support for a variety of rocket propulsion development projects. Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development on various engine and launch vehicle technologies to enhance the nation’s Space Access capability.

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aiding internal research, external technology development efforts, evaluating contractor progress, facilitating flight-testing activities, and tracking progress of external contracts.
• Overseeing and supporting the government project managers on design, fabrication, and testing of test articles, test campaigns, reviews, and program planning.
• Perform design/evaluation of various propulsion concepts, developing test plans and procedures, visiting contractor facilities to ensure program goals are met within budget and schedule.
• Focus on applied technology and demonstration efforts with a heavy emphasis on technology transition.
• Activities will often span various disciplines such as combustion devices, liquid rocket engine turbomachinery, launch vehicle systems, system integration, or operation evaluations.
• Collaborate with other portions of the Air Force and Space Force, as well as other government agencies including NASA, and industry, and the candidate will be working closely with these other organizations.
• Some travel will be required.

REQUISITE SKILLS:

• A self-motivated drive of increasing one’s expertise and familiarity within a new technical discipline or technical area.
• An understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• A systems thinking approach to problem solving.
• Familiarity with rocket propulsion desirable.
• Familiarity with testing of complex systems desirable.
• The candidate shall have a good command of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• A good knowledge of the English language is required. 
• The candidate shall be able to operate in a team environment, and shall have excellent interpersonal, reporting and communication skills (written and verbal).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates must have earned a B.S. degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering or a similar discipline with 5 or more year’s experience.
• The candidate must be a US citizen.
• Must obtain a US DoD security clearance.