High-Enthalpy Diagnostics Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates Inc.; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. is seeking a High-Enthalpy Diagnostics Engineer to support the Thermal Protection Materials branch at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA.

This full-time, onsite role focuses on developing and applying advanced diagnostics for TPS material studies and validating models with experimental data. The candidate will plan experimental campaigns, calibrate optical and plasma diagnostics, and contribute to uncertainty quantification, data processing, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Background in experimental aerothermodynamics, plasma physics, high-enthalpy testing, combustion, spectroscopy, optical diagnostics, or a related experimental research field.
• Experience planning, conducting, analyzing, and documenting experimental test campaigns.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis, scientific programming, or scripting for engineering analysis and data processing, such as Python, MATLAB, or comparable tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experimental campaigns in ARCTRON and other high-enthalpy, plasma, arc-jet, or related test environments.
• Develop, integrate, calibrate, and operate optical and in-situ plasma diagnostics, including optical emission spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, imaging, and related techniques.
• Characterize ARCTRON operating conditions and diagnostic performance across priority test regimes.
• Develop measurement models and uncertainty-quantification methods for experimental diagnostics, including uncertainty propagation, thermal modeling, state estimation, and data-assimilation approaches.
• Conduct quantitative analysis of facility, diagnostic, and material-response measurements; compare experimental results with thermal, fluid, plasma, and other numerical models.

Skills

experimental aerothermodynamics

plasma physics

high-enthalpy testing

spectroscopy

optical diagnostics

data analysis

scientific programming

Education

Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

**Job Description:**Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. is seeking a High-Enthalpy Diagnostics Engineer to support the Thermal Protection Materials branch (Code TSM) within the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA Ames Research Center. The selected candidate will support ARCTRON (a multi-gas, multi-heat source, plasma chamber for high-temperature catalycity measurements, model validation and thermal protection system (TPS) material down-selection), and related experimental capabilities through development and application of advanced diagnostics, facility characterization, material characterization, and quantitative data analysis for TPS research. This is a full-time, onsite role at Moffett Field, CA. The salary range is $135k-$160k, depending on experience.# **Responsibilities*** Plan and execute experimental campaigns in ARCTRON and other high-enthalpy, plasma, arc-jet, or related test environments.* Develop, integrate, calibrate, and operate optical and in-situ plasma diagnostics, including optical emission spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, imaging, and related techniques.* Characterize ARCTRON operating conditions and diagnostic performance across priority test regimes.* Develop measurement models and uncertainty-quantification methods for experimental diagnostics, including uncertainty propagation, thermal modeling, state estimation, and data-assimilation approaches.* Conduct quantitative analysis of facility, diagnostic, and material-response measurements; compare experimental results with thermal, fluid, plasma, and other numerical models.* Support TPS material characterization using division equipment, including CT scanning, tomography analysis, image processing, and ARCTRON testing.* Prototype spatially resolved oxygen and argon temperature measurements using absorption spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence.* Document test procedures, facility conditions, diagnostic configurations, calibrations, assumptions, uncertainties, and test results.* Coordinate experimental activities with facility personnel, technicians, researchers, computational modelers, and collaborators. # **Minimum Qualifications*** Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.* Background in experimental aerothermodynamics, plasma physics, high-enthalpy testing, combustion, spectroscopy, optical diagnostics, or a related experimental research field.* Experience planning, conducting, analyzing, and documenting experimental test campaigns.* Experience with quantitative data analysis, scientific programming, or scripting for engineering analysis and data processing, such as Python, MATLAB, or comparable tools.* Experience developing, applying, or interpreting diagnostics in high-temperature, plasma, flow, or other demanding experimental environments.* Ability to document technical work and communicate experimental results clearly. Track record of publication of research findings in reputed international conferences and journals.* Ability to collaborate across experimental, computational, diagnostic, and multidisciplinary research teams.* Ability to work full-time on-site at NASA Ames Research Center and travel occasionally, as required.* **This position is open to US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals except those from countries on** **NASA’s designated country list****.**