Test Engineer III

Battelle; Atlantic City (NJ); On-site; USD 88,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Lead Test Engineer in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, to support DHS Transportation Security Laboratory initiatives. This full-time role focuses on explosive vulnerability testing, test planning, data acquisition, and result analysis, with travel to APG, MD and a requirement for U.S.

citizenship and DoD security clearance. The ideal candidate holds a Mechanical Engineering degree with significant testing experience, instrumented measurement expertise, and strong communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience or Master's with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in explosive testing, blast effects measurement, and test data analysis.
• Instrumentation and data acquisition for explosive testing; proficiency with measurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of test matrices and planning for DHS-conducted blast tests using aircraft/test assets.
• Assist DHS/DoD with setup and conduct of explosive tests and data collection.
• Acquire, reduce, store, and analyze instrumentation data from DHS-sponsored testing.
• Review test plans, conduct tests, and prepare test result analyses and program assessments.

Skills

Explosive testing

Instrumentation data acquisition

Test planning

Modeling & simulation

Microsoft Access & Excel

SolidWorks

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

MS Excel

LS-DYNA

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Lead Test Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Battelle's Infrastructure Safety & Security Division provides research, development, test, and evaluation services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL). The selected candidate will support the TSL Commercial Aviation Vulnerability Mitigation (CAVM) project, which involves live-fire test planning, instrumentation, and test result analysis to inform aircraft design, explosive mitigation techniques, and baggage screening policies aimed at improving commercial aviation security.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Test Engineer, the selected individual will lead and support explosive vulnerability and mitigation testing activities in direct support of DHS and national aviation security objectives. Responsibilities may include:

• Lead the development of test matrices and test planning for a range of DHS-conducted blast vulnerability and mitigation tests, utilizing DHS-supplied commercial aircraft and other test assets
• Assist DHS and its DoD contractor with the preparation, setup, and conduct of explosive vulnerability and mitigation test activities, including the identification, configuration, operation, and support of blast response measurement instrumentation (e.g., digital image correlation, blast overpressure gauges, optical measurement techniques)
• Acquire, compile, store, reduce, and analyze instrumentation data acquired during DHS-sponsored explosive mitigation testing
• Review instrumentation test plans and procedures; conduct tests, collect test data; and prepare test result analyses and program assessment reports
• Assist with predictive blast response modeling and simulation to support test planning
• Develop work breakdown structures, identify critical path elements, and track project activities
• Work in varying outdoor weather conditions at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, including the use of respirators and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with at least 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with at least 2 years of experience demonstrating professional knowledge of system testing
• Knowledge and experience in explosive testing, including blast effects measurement and related explosive test types; experience in system automation, data collection, analysis, and presentation
• Knowledge and experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for explosive testing
• Expertise in explosive performance measurement techniques, including blast pressure gauges, strain gauges, accelerometers, high-speed cameras, digital image correlation, and other blast test measurement instrumentation
• Knowledge of modeling and simulation of blast responses in aircraft structures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access databases and Excel spreadsheets
• Experience with SolidWorks design software
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to read and produce technical documents such as project plans, test plans and procedures, data analysis reports, and project final reports
• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong desire and demonstrated ability to learn on the job
• Travel is required 25–50% of the time to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
• This position requires sole U.S. citizenship. The selected candidate must have the eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and to obtain both TSA and DHS Suitability

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working for TSA or DHS
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
• Experience with 3D printing
• Coding experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Experience with mechanical engineering software such as LS-DYNA for modeling and simulation and MATLAB for mathematical analysis
• Knowledge of high-speed camera photography
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least 9 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least 3 years of experience demonstrating professional knowledge of system testing

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $87,600 – $124,800 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers