Mechanical/Test Engineer III

Arcfield; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcfield is seeking a Mechanical/Test Engineer to perform shock response testing for thermal protection materials. You will design experiments, execute tests at facilities, and analyze data using Python, MATLAB, and hydrocodes.

The role requires traveling to test sites and maintaining instrumentation and fixtures. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree with several years of experience (or advanced degrees) in mechanical/aerospace engineering or physics, strong scripting skills, and the

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD with relevant engineering/physics focus and years of experience as stated.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Top-Secret clearance.
• Proficient with measurement tools (micrometers, height gauges, calipers).
• Attention to detail and willingness to travel for testing.
• Experience with data analysis and test planning/writing tests.
• Experience with microscopy, optical, structural and thermal instrumentation.
• Scripting experience with Python and MATLAB.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience with CAD CREO or similar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Experimental design: develop test plans for materials testing with pre-test modeling and hardware prep.
• Test execution: coordinate with labs, travel to test facilities, ensure data capture.
• Instrumentation: operate data acquisition systems and calibrate sensors.
• Documentation: create lab procedures and experiment assembly instructions.
• Reporting: process data, simulate material response, assess test validity and write technical reports.
• Collaboration: present results to customers and recommend future testing.
• Operation and maintenance: run and maintain internal impact test equipment.

Skills

Shock testing

Data acquisition

Python

MATLAB

Oscilloscopes

Mechanical design

Test plans

Experimentation

Travel willingness

Hardware integration

Documentation

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Physics (shock physics)

Tools

PUFF

Wondy

CREO

Python tooling

Lab instrumentation

Job description

Responsibilities

Job Description: The Mechanical/Test Engineer will perform shock response testing for thermal protection system materials through impact, radiation, and thermal loading environments. The successful candidate will perform a wide range of tasks spanning from experimental setup and design, test execution, and data assessment. The position will require the use of scientific and engineering simulation software, in particular one-dimensional hydrocodes (e.g. PUFF, Wondy, etc.), as well as scripting and technical computing languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

Specific responsibilities and duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Experimental Design: aid in the development of test plans for materials testing including pre-test modeling, hardware and test article design, and test article preparation.
• Test Execution: interface with national and local laboratories to perform experimental duties, travel to and from test facilities ensuring appropriate data acquisition is captured, and aid in the safe transport of Arcfield instrumentation and experimental hardware to and from home facility.
• Instrumentation: operate data acquisition systems, install and calibrate optical and electrical sensors.
• Documentation: develop and document laboratory procedures and experiment assembly instructions.
• Reporting: process experimental data for ease of analysis, simulate material response with an understanding of the experimental environment, and evaluate the validity of a given test through pre- vs post-diction assessments. Report on all aspects of a given experiment in a technical write up for both internal and external reviews.
• Collaboration: interface with customers to include presenting results and analysis, and provide recommendations for future testing based on experimental outcomes.
• Operation and maintenance: operate and maintain internal impact test equipment and hardware.

Qualifications

Required:

• BS degree with 5-7 years of experience, MS with 3-5 years of experience, or PhD with 0-2 years of experience in one of the following degrees:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Physics (emphasis in shock physics)
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance
• Proficient with measurement tools (e.g., micrometers, height gauges, calipers, etc.)
• Strong attention to detail
• Willing to travel to support testing
• Driven to improve laboratory processes and testing methods
• Experience operating oscilloscopes and data acquisition systems
• Experience with the design and fabrication of mechanical fixtures and components
• Experience with data analysis
• Experience with writing test plans and test reports
• Experience with microscopy systems and techniques
• Experience with optical, structural and thermal instrumentation
• Scripting experience with Python and MATLAB
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), CREO or similar
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Manage detailed tasks within customer driven timelines
• Ability to work both independently and on a team
• Self-starter
• Practical, hands-on expertise with hardware components and system integration
• Machining experience
• Fiber optic systems and instrumentation

Preferred:

• Active Top-Secret clearance
• Static, dynamic, impact, and radiation testing experience
• Experience in developing material Equations of State (EOS)

Equal Pay Act

This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield ’s benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.Min: $83,370.11Max: $144,964.45

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.