Mechanical Engineer, AST, Mechanical Experimental Equipment (Direct Hire)

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA’s unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Assisting with engineering processes that resolve deficiencies associated with flight vehicles or flight hardware components; Assisting with oversight of training plans, processes, and problem resolution for non-conformances to ensure flight hardware and/or crew mission readiness; Assisting with post flight analysis to ensure flight hardware or crew mission readiness. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Identifying and resolving engineering processes deficiencies associated with space flight processing by understanding failure modes, trend analysis, configuration control and analysis associated with flight vehicles or flight hardware components; Overseeing the creation of engineering training plans, processes, and assisting with post flight analysis to ensure flight hardware and/or crew mission readiness; Conducting specialized studies on flight vehicles or ground support equipment, which may include overall and individual major engineering systems components, and additional equipment encompassed in the structure, to ensure their safety, suitability, and effectiveness in operation. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA’s guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
As a Mechanical Experimental Equipment engineer with the Exploration and Systems and Operations Division, you will be responsible for mechanical engineering test and systems development activities and for handling, access, assembly and integration of spacecraft and launch vehicle systems as well as post flight analysis. You will also be responsible for developing, fabricating, testing and use of handling and access equipment for flight hardware or components testing.