Job Summary

The Flight Loads Lab Technician provides advanced technical support for the Aerostructures Branch (Code 560) within the Flight Loads Laboratory (FLL) under NASA Armstrong’s Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract.

This position supports the setup, operation, maintenance, and documentation of mechanical, thermal, and structural test systems for NASA’s flight research and structural testing programs. The technician applies deep technical expertise in hydraulics, instrumentation, control systems, and thermal-mechanical test operations to ensure reliable, safe, and accurate test execution. This role is integral to validating airframe designs, load paths, and material performance in support of current and future NASA flight research projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Assemble and integrate mechanical test articles, including structural fixtures, load frames, and thermal test systems.
Set up and operate hydraulic systems, including pumps, manifolds, servo valves, load cells, actuators, and associated instrumentation.
Support cryogenic and gaseous nitrogen system operations, including plumbing, monitoring, and safety compliance.
Install, configure, and operate radiant heating systems using quartz-lamp and graphite-element heaters, ensuring correct electrical and thermal configurations.
Fabricate and install mechanical/electrical assemblies, load-train components, thermocouples, strain gauges, and data-acquisition wiring.
Calibrate and verify instrumentation, including pressure transducers, load cells, and displacement sensors.
Assist in test planning and documentation, ensuring setup configurations, load paths, and safety procedures comply with NASA and AFRC requirements.
Operate, monitor, and maintain test control systems during static, dynamic, and thermal testing.
Collect, record, and process test data, ensuring data integrity and accurate reporting.
Support troubleshooting and maintenance of test fixtures, hydraulic systems, and electronic control hardware.
Coordinate with engineers to implement modifications and improvements to test systems.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, PPE use, and environmental regulations per NASA and OSHA standards.
Prepare technical and status reports documenting system configuration, calibration results, anomalies, and corrective actions.

Work Environment & Schedule

On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB).

Typical Schedule: 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period).

Work may occasionally require extended or off-shift hours to support critical test operations.

Hands-on, laboratory, and test-floor environment requiring use of PPE, lifting up to 50 lbs, and standing for extended periods.

Key Benefits and Impact

Direct contribution to NASA’s structural verification and flight-research missions.
Collaboration with NASA engineers, researchers, and industry partners on high-visibility projects.
Opportunities for career advancement into technical-leadership or systems-integration roles.
Work in a nationally recognized test facility supporting cutting-edge aerospace programs such as X-59 (Quesst) and future flight demonstrators.

Minimum Qualifications

Master Engineering Support Technician / Lead Engineering Support Technician

a) At least 15 years’ experience and military technical school diploma or Associate Degree or greater, or
b) At least 20 years’ experience, or
c) At least 10 years’ experience and lead technician responsibilities in the assigned task(s).

Additional required competencies:

Demonstrated proficiency in setup and operation of hydraulic and thermal test systems.
Skilled in use of test-control and data-acquisition software, calibration procedures, and system troubleshooting.
Strong understanding of mechanical structures, instrumentation wiring, and load-application principles.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test plans.
Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare reports and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with NASA Armstrong or equivalent aerospace structural test facilities.
Familiarity with LabVIEW, Omega, or similar control/data-acquisition systems.
Experience applying and calibrating strain gauges and thermocouples.
Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Pro/E) for interpreting fixture layouts.
Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal loading techniques, and aerospace materials testing.
Soldering and crimping certifications (NASA-STD-8739 preferred).
Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams or coordinate multi-disciplinary test efforts.

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.