Senior Process Design Engineer (NASA Langley Research Center)

Genex Systems; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employer-paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Paid time off and federal holidays

Tuition assistance programs

Job summary

Genex Systems is seeking a Senior Process Design Engineer for NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. You will design high‑pressure air and steam systems for wind tunnels, labs, and facilities, leading a team of engineers and drafters to meet codes and performance targets.

Responsibilities include developing calculations, analyzing requirements, and preparing technical reports, with ~20% field time and frequent collaboration with cross‑functional teams to ensure safe, reliable operation of

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering is required.
• 10+ years of direct process engineering design experience.
• Hands-on design of high-pressure air and high-pressure steam systems.
• Experience leading or overseeing designers/drafters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license and REAL ID-compliant identification.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop requirements, calculations, and analyses, specifications, drawings, cost estimates, and technical reports for process system designs.
• Choose and apply the right engineering methods to solve broad, complex problems across multi-discipline A/E projects.
• Lead and oversee designers and drafters working on NASA facility mechanical systems, ensuring designs meet codes and customer requirements.
• Perform technical quality reviews and hold deliverables to established QC processes and applicable codes and standards.
• Balance scope, schedule, and budget to keep projects on track.
• Spend about 20% of time in the field visiting facilities and active construction sites.
• Help build a strong, engaged team through integrity, collaboration, and clear communication.

Skills

High-pressure process design

Pipe flexibility analysis

Pressure drop calculations

Relief valves design

Control valves and pumps

Steam and condensate systems

ASME B31.1/B31.3 knowledge

CMTRs experience

Leadership of designers/drafters

Strong communication skills

MS Office suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Driver’s license + REAL ID

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

Tools

Bentley AutoPIPE

RSMeans CostWorks

Job description

Senior Process Design Engineer (NASA Langley Research Center)

Genex Systems, Hampton, Virginia, United States

About this position

About Genex Systems

Genex Systems is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Newport News, VA. Founded in 2000 at NASA Langley Research Center, Genex has spent 25+ years delivering scientific research and engineering, information technology, and mission support services across the federal government. Our track record is defined by high quality, cost-effective, and timely performance across numerous contracts, earning exceptional CPARS ratings and commendations.

Some of the world’s most important aerospace research runs on compressed air and steam. As a Senior Process Design Engineer, the high-pressure process systems you design keep NASA Langley Research Center’s wind tunnels, labs, and test facilities running - and keep the people who use them safe. If you’ve spent a decade-plus designing high-pressure air and steam systems and want that work to support NASA’s research mission, this role is built for you.

About the Work

NASA Langley Research Center covers 764 acres in Hampton, Virginia, with about 3,400 civil servants and contractors working on better aircraft, a better understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, and technology for space exploration. Genex Systems is part of the team on the Center Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering II (CMOE II) contract, which keeps that campus running. The work covers engineering design, project management, construction, preventive maintenance, and central utilities across Langley’s institutional and research facilities, along with capital projects such as automating labs and wind tunnel test facilities. You’ll report directly to the Manager of Mechanical Engineering.

What You’ll Do

• Independently develop requirements, calculations and analyses, specifications, drawings, cost estimates, and technical reports for process system designs.
• Choose and apply the right engineering methods to solve broad, complex problems across multi-discipline architecture/engineering (A/E) projects.
• Lead and oversee designers and drafters working on NASA facility mechanical systems, making sure designs meet codes, standards, and customer requirements.
• Perform technical quality reviews and hold deliverables to established QC processes and applicable codes and standards.
• Balance scope, schedule, and budget to keep projects on track.
• Spend about 20% of your time in the field - visiting facilities and active construction sites across the center.
• Help build a strong, engaged team through integrity, collaboration, and clear communication.

What You’ll Need (Required)

• ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering. (A four-year engineering technology degree does not meet this requirement.)
• 10+ years of direct process engineering design experience, including hands-on design of high-pressure air and high-pressure steam systems.
• Working experience with:
• Pipe flexibility analysis
• Pressure drop calculations (incompressible and compressible flow)
• Relief valves - placement, inlet/outlet piping, performance, and selection
• Control valves, heat exchangers, and pumps
• Steam and condensate systems
• ASME B31.1 (Power Piping) and ASME B31.3 (Process Piping)
• Certified material test reports (CMTRs)
• Experience leading or overseeing designers/drafters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license and REAL ID-compliant identification (see Additional Requirements).

Nice to Have (Preferred)

• Proficiency in Bentley AutoPIPE
• Experience with RSMeans cost estimating (CostWorks)

Salary range:

$120,000-$135,000 per year

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer-paid life insurance and dependent life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid federal holidays
• Tuition assistance programs

Location & Work Arrangement

• Location: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
• Arrangement: Fully on-site; about 80% office-based, 20% at facilities and active construction sites
• Travel: Regular travel between the office and facilities across the NASA center
• Schedule: Full-time. Overtime or work outside the normal schedule is expected about 5-20% of the time.

Additional Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
• Security clearance: No security clearance is required.
• Background check and drug screening: You must pass a background check and a drug screening before you start.
• Site access: You must have REAL ID-compliant identification to enter NASA Langley. See the DHS REAL ID page for a list of acceptable documents.
• Driver's license: A valid driver's license is required.
• Physical requirements: About 20% of the work happens in field and construction settings. In those settings, you must be able to:
• Walk and climb over rough terrain
• Work at heights and in confined spaces
• Work in high-noise areas (construction equipment and facility test operations)
• Walk, stand, bend, twist, and sit for extended periods
• Climb, crawl, and lift up to 35 lbs.
• Safety: You must follow all safety policies and procedures. You’ll write a Safe Plan of Action (SPA) for every task you perform. The SPA is the company’s tool for preventing incidents, accidents, and injuries, and it is the most important tool you’re required to use.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Genex Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Genex Systems does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.