Blast and Debris Engineer

About This Role

This role supports the Aerosciences branch at MSFC's Structural Design and Analysis Division by providing blast and debris test and analysis. It involves performing research, analysis, testing, and modeling to quantify lethality, survivability, or vulnerability, and evaluating alternatives through analytical assessments.

Responsibilities

• Support designing, testing, and measuring explosive environments, including blast waves and high-speed imagery for empirical blast and fragmentation models.
• Support development or improvement of test processes and operations.
• Support test setup such as installation of pressure transducers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and high-speed cameras.
• Apply engineering techniques and procedures to analyze and evaluate specific problems, data, or other work features that are broad in scope and complexity.
• Participate and present findings in reviews, meetings, teleconferences, and working groups.
• Identify, describe, and communicate potential risks.
• Provide clear and effective communications with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Degree from an ABET accredited university or equivalent
• Skilled with numerical computing environments such as Python, C++ or MATLAB
• Capability to perform basic aerodynamic analysis and apply physics-based models
• Knowledge of launch vehicles and spacecraft, including propulsion systems and flight/orbital mechanics.
• Knowledge of launch vehicle abort and flight termination systems.
• Excellent written and oral technical communication skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, and effective team player with customer relations skills
• Ability to perform tasks requiring focus and attention to detail
• Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams & Outlook)

Qualifications

• BS from an ABET accredited university or equivalent with 7 – 18 years of relevant experience
• 7-18 years of relevant experience in blast and debris test and analysis support

Nice to Have

• Skills in quantifying lethality, survivability, or vulnerability.
• Experience designing, testing, and measuring explosive environments including blast waves and high-speed imagery
• Proficiency with the installation and use of sensing elements such as pressure transducers, strain gauges, thermocouples and high-speed cameras
• Knowledge in the production and processing of documentation required for test operations
• Familiarity with design and fabrication of test apparatus and structures.
• Familiarity with safety processes in an outdoor testing environment.

Skills

* Required skills