Job Description

USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time Mechanical Engineer to work in our Huntsville, AL office. The Mechanical Engineer will design, fabricate, assemble, and test machines and instruments that will be used for X-ray optics fabrication, calibration, and metrology. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) X-ray Astronomy Group to perform this work. This work directly supports the development of next generation X-ray optics for future NASA missions.

Specific Responsibilities:

Machine Design and Fabrication:

• Support development of machines and instruments that will be used to fabricate, measure and calibrate X-ray optics.
• Support development of fixtures and other hardware used for the fabrication and testing of X-ray optics.

Instrumentation and Hardware Development:

• Support the design, assembly, and testing of laboratory machines and instruments that will be used for the polishing of X-ray optics.
• Support the development of instruments that will be used for measuring the surface properties of X-ray optics
• Support engineering teams on optical component integration into flight-like telescope assemblies.
• Support the development of fixtures that will be used for the development of X-ray optics.

Computational and Software Development:

• Develop software tools and GUIs for machine and instrument control.
• Develop software tools for the acquisition, analysis and organization of X-ray test and metrology data.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct quantitative analysis of X-ray metrology data to inform optics fabrication.
• Document technology development findings, maintain technology development records, and contribute to technical reports, NASA deliverables, and peer-reviewed publications.

Collaboration and Personal Development:

• Work with multidisciplinary teams across NASA, academia, and industry to advance technology readiness levels of X-ray instrument technologies (TRL).
• Contribute to proposal preparation for external funding and participate in internal research planning meetings.
• Pursue an independent engineering research program, time permitting, to maintain a strong knowledge base in the field.

Education: MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of machines and laboratory instruments.
• Proficiency using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent scientific software.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with fabricating machines for polishing and measuring X-ray optics.
• Proficiency writing software for instrument stage motion control and data acquisition.
• Experience working with X-ray calibration systems including knowledge of ionizing radiation producing devices.
• Prior collaboration experience with NASA or national laboratories.

Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office in addition to advanced optical development laboratories. This role requires the use of standard office equipment as well as laboratory-based equipment. Lifting and handling of delicate instruments and equipment will be required.

Remote Working: This position is not available for remote work. Candidate must be in the Huntsville, AL area.

Travel: Attend engineering conferences once per year.

Applicants should apply to the posting at Home | USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at Home | USRA