Sr. Avionics Engineer - Test and Analysis

The Sr. Avionics System Test & Analysis Engineer will design, execute, debug, and analyze system level avionics tests from a collection of requirements for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). These test cases have a software component that execute in various labs including the Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) facility to verify the integrated avionics. The Space Launch System (SLS) labs include numerous complex real-time Software Models integrated with Electrical/Avionics systems to achieve detailed simulation of the SLS rocket. The software test cases will also need to be designed, implemented, tested, and analyzed for correct working order.

This position is responsible for providing services and support for the Software Systems Engineering Branch (ES51). This branch is responsible for the requirements, test, verification, and systems engineering. This engineering support will be conducted within an existing operational Government owned and managed facility housed at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

This is a senior-level position that requires broad technical capability to perform Test Development, Test Conduction and Test Analysis of real-time HWIL systems. Good project management skills are needed to define and plan the activities. The ability to track and report progress and timely completion of milestones is essential. Problem solving, troubleshooting, and hands-on use of test equipment will be required.

Activities associated with this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Become a subject matter expert on a library of system tests in the Avionics System Test Library. This will include in depth knowledge of the system tests and how they work functionally on the SLS.
• Participate in defining and planning verification/validation approaches to achieve Detailed Verification Objectives (DVOs) or requirements.
• Write technical documents including test plans, analysis plans, and test data analysis reports to address verification requirements
• Perform data interpretation and analysis on post-test data and analysis of HWIL simulation systems.
• Evaluate test data to correlate with test findings and investigate potential anomalies.
• Work with associated Systems Engineering (SE) teams, Software Development teams, Test teams, and Electrical Integration teams to ensure tests and analyses meet technical intent and appropriately verify system capabilities and behaviors.
• Design, execute, debug, and analyze test plans, including pre-test setups such as instrumentation, data acquisition, software loading/configuration and post-test activities such as data archiving and data analysis.
• Develop or modify test case software using a language such as XML, C, or Python.
• Use data reduction and manipulation tools to analyze post test data.
• Use a Linux based platform.

Essential Functions

Work Environment:

General office environment (100%). Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<5%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and contractor facilities (<10%).

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance:

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Requirements

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or or a related technical discipline is required. Degree from an ABET accredited institution preferred. Typical