EMPLOYMENT

Position: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Moffett Field, CA

Support the Aviation Advanced Design Office (ADO) within the Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) of the US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), located at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. Develop CAD models of notional advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Design various mechanical devices to support a variety of experimental efforts. Interact with manufacturing facilities to ensure construction accuracy regarding such devices.

• Ability to visualize complicated three-dimensional objects and mechanisms.
• Knowledge of structures, mechanics, dynamics, strength of materials.
• Knowledge of current structural fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of structural design processes and components (fasteners, etc...)
• Knowledge of CAD design/analysis software, including Pro-Engineer, Pro/Mechanica, and/or NASTRAN.
• Interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with persons at all levels in the various organizations and to respond flexibly and positively in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and demonstrate tenacity and flexibility in a busy work environment.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• At least three years experience working design engineering projects.

• Knowledge of aerodynamics.
• Knowledge of NASA Ames Organizational structure and environment.
• Security clearance desirable, but not mandatory.

• Generate CAD models of existing and notional VTOL aircraft systems and subsystems using Pro/Engineer software. Iterate CAD model design parameters with Rotorcraft sizing Code (RC). Integrate assembly and mechanism functionality to evaluate and illustrate advanced features such as folding, stowing, and shipboard compatibility. Provide engineering drawings and photorealistic graphics and integrate into PowerPoint presentations.
• Analyze aerodynamic and structural characteristics using CAD tools (Pro/Engineer, Pro/Mechanica and/or MSC/NASTRAN). This includes calculating weights, areas, stiffness, strength and dynamic characteristics of conceptual and existing aircraft components and wind-tunnel hardware using CAD analyses.
• Analyze weight and balance characteristics of existing, modified and virtual aircraft designs. Evaluate impact of payload and fuel on aircraft balance and trim. Evaluate effect of design features such as canted tail rotors on hub moments, aircraft trim and CG range. Estimate weight of aircraft structural components where an existing statistical data base does not exist. Examples include tiltrotor wings, ABC type rotors, and novel folding systems.
• Serve as mechanical design consultant for customers in the development of UAV test aircraft such as the A160 and DP-5X helicopters (both DARPA projects).
• Provide mechanical design and analysis support to AFDD’s Flight Projects Office (FPO) for RASCAL aircraft modifications.
• Discuss design requirements and alternatives with customer; use CAD software to design and analyze mechanical structures that can be fabricated and will accommodate all requirements.
• Coordinate with fabrication facilities to ensure structures are manufactured within desired tolerances.
• Employ established design practices and processes.
• Generate documentation required by the design sponsor.
• Participate in inter-governmental / industry / university teams that address layout and structures of advanced rotorcraft.
• Prepare and review statements of work and specifications.
• Prepare and present briefings and papers for a technical audience.

Email resumes to acijobs@aerospacecomputing.com