External Job Posting Title Mechanical Engineer (NASA Ballon Program)

Peraton; Palestine, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support NASA's Balloon Operations Contract at the CSBF in Palestine, TX. You will design, analyze, and document balloon payload systems using SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation, ensuring compliance with gondola structural requirements.

You will collaborate with Electronics and Rigging teams, review design documentation, and assist with field operations and vendor interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physics (Mechanical or Aerospace preferred).
• Two or more years of mechanical experience.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation or similar tools.
• Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain a NASA PIV badge.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, design, and analyze balloon payload/gondola mechanical structures and components.
• Use SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation for design and analysis.
• Create design and manufacturing documentation with SolidWorks.
• Review payload/gondola documentation and certify design requirements.
• Coordinate with Electronics and Rigging for flight hardware development and updates.
• Coordinate test flight gondola layouts and piggyback payload considerations.
• Collaborate with science teams on flight systems integration onto gondolas.
• Provide on-site field operations support and vendor quotation/purchase requisitions.
• Travel annually for Fall Ft. Sumner balloon campaign; primary work on-site at CSBF, Palestine, TX.

Skills

Mechanical experience

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Math/Physics

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Responsibilities

NASA's Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) is a sub-orbital flight program located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), a part of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). NBOC provides high altitude balloon vehicles, payload development, and field operations support to NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The program enables the collection of Earth, Heliophysics and Astrophysics science.

The Mechanical Engineer will be a team member using principles of mechanical engineering; develop, design, analyze, test and document balloon payload systems, sub-systems, and GSE systems in support of the NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC).

Responsibilities of the position:

• Research, develop, design, and analyze balloon payload/gondola mechanical structures, components, and equipment applying principles of mechanical engineering to fulfill mission requirements
• Work with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation for design and analysis efforts
• Create design and manufacturing documentation with SolidWorks
• Review science team provided payload/gondola design documentation and certify requirements of 820-PG-8700.0.1 - Gondola Structural Design Requirements are met
• Coordinate with Electronics and Rigging departments for development of new flight hardware or updates of existing flight hardware
• Coordinate with Electronics and Rigging departments for NBOC provided test flight gondolas regarding piggyback payload and NBOC test flight hardware layout
• Coordinate with science teams regarding design and implementation of NBOC flight systems onto science provided gondolas (i.e. Antenna Booms, Solar Panels, Ballast Hoppers, etc…)
• Provide support for field operations when needed, including payload and ground support systems
• Work with vendors to quote custom design hardware and enter purchase requisitions
• Travel annually to support the Fall Ft. Sumner, NM balloon campaign (3-4 weeks) as needed
• Primary work on-site Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF), Palestine, TX

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physics. (Mechanical or Aerospace preferred)
• Two or more years of mechanical experience
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation or similar design and analysis tools
• Must be a US Citizen and ability to obtain a NASA PIV badge

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.