Rocket Sled Mechanical Engineer

Canvas

Alamogordo (NM)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 80,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading engineering firm is looking for an entry-level mechanical engineer to provide expertise in rocket sled tests at Holloman AFB, NM. The position involves planning, analyzing, and conducting tests while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and excellent communication skills. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work on unique mechanical systems and contribute significantly to advanced technology developments in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

Plan and analyze test projects for advanced rocket sled systems.
Conduct studies to improve CFD accuracy.
Ensure sled design compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Mechanical engineering concepts

Experimental theories

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Canvas is seeking an entry‑level mechanical engineer to support our customer at Holloman AFB, NM by providing engineering expertise for rocket sled tests. The 846th Test Squadron works with DoD and other customers to develop and execute high‑speed rocket sled ground tests specifically designed to simulate selected portions of the flight environment in support of the development of weapon systems and other flight hardware. This work is unique in that every test utilizes a single test resource, the Holloman High Speed Test Track, the longest and fastest rocket sled track in the world. Moreover, the 846 TS is a "one stop shop," where all aspects of a test project are carried out in‑house, including mechanical and instrumentation engineering design; sled, instrumentation, and concrete target fabrication; test setup and teardown; data collection, analysis, and reporting; as well as continual rail maintenance. The rocket sled test engineer has the overall responsibility to design and conduct analysis for rocket sleds, sled components, and sled test support hardware.

Duties

Plan, analyze, design, coordinate, and report on test projects to extend track capability and serve as a structural or vibration or aerodynamic design and test engineer on advanced rocket sled systems. The engineer is responsible for all phases of design, development, and testing of sled systems.
Devise and evaluate criteria, parameters, characteristics, and interrelationships for design approaches and to assess the impact of new technology on current systems and processes.
Conduct studies to improve CFD accuracy and increase capabilities such as water braking modeling, heat transfer modeling, and aeroelastic effects.
Perform professional mechanical engineering work involved in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes in support of major mechanical systems and support programs for a weapon system.
Generate and present engineering reviews, ensuring that sled design and test setup comply with HHSTT design and safety standards, and that the government needs are met and validated.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited school. Experience may be substituted for education with customer approval.
0 years of experience necessary.
Knowledge of professional mechanical engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced engineering theories, principles, and concepts to project development, execution, and advisory services.
Knowledge of developmental testing and evaluation, sufficient to apply experimental theories and/or new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of aircraft mechanical systems, subsystems, devices, and/or equipment.
Ability to devise and evaluate criteria, parameters, characteristics, and interrelationships for design approaches and to assess the impact of new technology on current systems and processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Customer interaction and presentation abilities required.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while being able to prioritize work to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
U.S. citizenship with an active SECRET clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Desired Experience

Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited school.
2+ years of experience as a test engineer, particularly that involving rocket propulsion.

Other Essential Job Functions

Willingness to travel as required up to 10%.
May be required to work other than a normal schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet customer test schedules.

Seniority level