Title:  Rocket Motor Test Technician

Job Title: Rocket Motor Test Technician

Job ID: 26688

Job Location: Orange, VA

Job Schedule: 9/80 - work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked and have every other Friday off 

Job Description:

Rocket Motor Test Technicians utilize mechanical and technical skills to conduct ground test operations for rocket motors and their components. This could include assembly of rocket motor test tooling, calibration of test measurement sensors, installation of rocket motor and/or components in test stands, and use of detailed test procedures and checklists to prepare facilities for testing. Types of tests include static rocket motor firings, case proof and burst pressure testing, case structural loads testing, direct-connect ramjet/scramjet testing, aeroheat materials testing, dynamic/environmental testing, and high-altitude simulation (vacuum) testing.

Essential Functions:

• 40% - Test Article Installation - Install support tooling, equipment, and test articles/components in test cell in accordance with safety and quality policies, procedures, and checklists under limited supervision of Test Engineers. Work with control room operators and controls engineers to calibrate instrumentation and install on test articles. Connect firing line to rocket motor igniters. Work with test engineers to fabricate or modify test tooling, as required.
• 25% - Test Facility Preparation - Utilize detailed operational procedures under the limited supervision of Test Engineers and Test Operations Manager to prepare test facilities to conduct tests. This involves working with high pressure piping systems that control air, gaseous nitrogen, gaseous oxygen, propane, steam, water, triethylborane (TEB) and other potentially hazardous fluids.
• 25% - Test Facility Maintenance - Tear down test setups following completion of each test series. Perform trouble shooting and hands-on servicing of test equipment, as needed. Maintain operational standards in accordance with Company directives for cleanliness, organization, and foreign object elimination (FOE).
• 10% - Training - Maintain training levels by attending training sessions in classroom, computer and on-the-job (OTJ) settings. Review internal test procedures / checklists with test engineers prior to test operations for training and document editing purposes.

Qualifications:

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant Engineering Technician experience or 2 years post-Secondary/Associates Degree with a minimum of 4 years prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills: 

• Knowledge of hand and power tools, including uses, benefits, repairs & maintenance.
• Ability to operate various test equipment, meters, calibrators, and measuring devices.
• Ability to read and interpret codes, standards, specifications and drawings.
• Interpretation and compliance with Company policies and procedures, including Safety, Health & Environmental processes and procedures.
• Effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Strength in teaming and collaboration in a diverse work environment.
• Use computer equipment to access drawings, procedures, checklists, and email.
• Plumbing fabrication and installation of high pressure fluid systems to include knowledge of tube and pipe fitting connections (flare, compression, NPT, etc.), tube & pipe bending/routing, valve selection and installation.
• Metal fabrication to include welding, milling, grinding, cutting and machining.
• Related work experience with pneumatic and steam pressure systems (pipe/tubing fittings, valves, regulators, filters, and gauges).
• Related work experience with operation and maintenance of mechanical systems such as boilers, compressors, pumps, and chillers.
• Knowledge of ASME pressure piping codes.