Electrical Engineer, E-2 Development

As part of Andre Ivankovic’s team, support the Launcher E-2 liquid rocket engine development program.  Develop electronics for a fully integrated engine and test stand.

We have the ambitious goal for E-2 to be the world’s highest-performing engine for small launchers, while optimized for mass production and low cost.

You will join a program with existing momentum which so far has produced and successfully tested a full turbopump assembly, thrust chamber assembly, and oxygen-rich preburner.  Our E-2 Test Stand is located at NASA Stennis Space Center.

You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine to a completed and reliable high-performance product (upcoming projects include: engine valves and plumbing, integrated engine long-duration testing, gimbal and actuators, onboard tanks, avionics, engine controller, wiring harness, final packaging design, flight weight reductions).

Responsibilities

• Responsible Engineer for E-2 test stand and development engine electronics
• Procure, calibrate, install, and troubleshoot instrumentation for E-2 test stand and engine
• Improve and troubleshoot test stand ECU and DAQ
• Integrate flight computer and integrated power bus into E-2 test stand then engine
• Design circuit boards and electronics for various test stand and engine needs
• Integrate throttle motors with circuit boards and control system on engine
• Responsible for wiring harness and mounting avionics on E-2 engine and test stand 
• Design and manufacture avionics enclosures and mechanical interfaces
• Integrate TVC actuator electronics and control system
• Collaborate with software team and other teams when installing new avionics
• Manufacturing: work with our internal manufacturing team and external vendors to create finished E-2 parts.  Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post processing, and inspection.  Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
• Design: work with our team and Chief Designer Igor Nikishchenko to advance the design of E-2.  Create electronics schematics and models/drawings of parts and assemblies.  Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
• Assembly: work with our team to build propulsion component assemblies and the full engine to test at NASA Stennis Space Center.
• Documentation: create schematics; write procedures, work instructions, and document processes.
• Testing: Conduct tests of propulsion components and the full engine with our team at NASA Stennis Center.  Build out the Launcher E-2 Test Stand for full engine testing and maintain the stand. Troubleshoot fluid systems involving pressurized cylinders, regulators, tanks, valves, tubing, fittings, and other plumbing elements.  Work with the avionics team to properly integrate sensors and actuators into test stands.
• Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues
• Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace

Basic Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with electronics design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)

Required Skills

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals
• Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom)
• Electronics and circuit boards
• Communication (Written, visual, slides)
• Coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino)
• CAD (NX preferred)
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Problem-solving
• Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships
• Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work

Other Requirements 

• Must be willing to spend 50% of their time at NASA Stennis Space Center (Fully paid travel and hotel while there).
• Must have a strong personal projects engineering portfolio (CAD, software, documentation).
• Valid driver’s license
• Able to lift 35 lbs unassisted
• Able to stand for extended periods
• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions
• Flexibility to work overtime and adapt to a varying schedule

Optional Experience 

• 2+ years of industry experience with rocket engine avionics design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
• Linux
• FEA (Ansys)
• DAQs & Labview
• General ‘making’ skills (Machining, CNC, welding, assembly)