Aeronautical Engineer III

We are pleased to announce the opening of a Special Mission Aeronautical and Structural Engineering position to support the installation of highly specialized airborne research instrumentation payloads on the NSF/NCAR GV and NSF/NCAR C-130 aircraft.

This is a great opportunity to be part of World-Class Research in Earth System Science through the National Science Foundation with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community. You will collaborate with atmospheric scientific leaders, external atmospheric operators, and experts to find solutions to encourage continuous growth and learning. If you're ready for new challenges, apply now to join our team and be a driving force in the future of atmospheric research.

As a leader in aeronautical and structural engineering, your main responsibility will be to support the installation of geophysical research instrumentation and modifications on the NSF/NCAR GV and NSF/NCAR C-130 aircraft. This position will also involve preparing, reviewing, and approving descriptive (analysis, layouts, sketches, materials, engineering drawings) and substantiating design data for aircraft modifications/alterations as appropriate, making it a comprehensive and challenging role.

You will leverage your expertise in aeronautical & structural engineering disciplines to become FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) structures.

Salary Range: $132,226-$165,283

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Job Location: KBJC - NCAR Research Aviation Facility, 10802 Airport Ct, Broomfield, CO 80021

Job Type: In Person - This position’s work must be performed on-site at the NCAR/EOL Research Aviation Facility in Broomfield, CO.

Position Type & Term: Full-time, Regular

Visa Sponsorship: Not available

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3) 

Relocation Assistance: YES (Available to qualified candidates)

Application Deadline: JULY 18, 2024

Required application materials: Resume/CV

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and certification efforts (of instrumentation, rack configurations, and aircraft infrastructure modifications such as pods, inlets, apertures, and optical windows) for load criteria, emergency landing conditions, in-flight lift, drag forces, and gust loads, all acting independently, and similar support items.  
• Works effectively and collaboratively across engineering disciplines, project planning, flight operations, and geophysical research, resolving issues about schedule and cost and instrument/infrastructure performance as a team.   
• Provides as-needed support for structural and systems aeronautical engineering requirements for field campaign installations. 
• Provides aerodynamic analysis FEA/FEM and hand calculations for research instrumentation, research rack overturning moment, materials, skin and frame stresses, and deflection due to ultimate pressure loads
• Working with fellow engineers, independently, and with DERs, participates in preparing and approving certification documents, instructions for continued airworthiness, and substantiating data (weight and balance, structural loads, lightning protection, ground and flight testing, etc.). 
• May lead and/or assist in acquiring approved certification documents, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) form 8110-3, as appropriate. 
• Maintains knowledge of engineering techniques appropriate for DER certification(s).
• Assists instrument developers in the design and installation of instruments to meet airworthiness requirements. 
• Ensures that installations meet appropriate standards for airworthiness, continued airworthiness, and functional requirements and prepares appropriate documentation for certification.
• Participates in planning for future aircraft system improvements and in other RAF activities, such as safety management systems (SMS), security, and aircraft operations.

• Master’s Degree of Science in Mechanical, Civil, or Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 4+ years minimum experience with modifications to aircraft and research instrumentation installation.  
• You will leverage your expertise in aeronautical & structural engineering disciplines to become FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) structures.

Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

• FAA Designated Engineering Representative delegation: Structures, System and Equipment Mechanical. 
• Supplement present knowledge, skills, and ability in Aeronautical & Structural Engineering principles to obtain an FAA Structural DER designation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Demonstrated Knowledge of aircraft design practices, modification, and major alterations in various aeronautical disciplines, such as aerodynamics, pneumatic systems, aircraft power systems, electrical/electronic equipment systems, loads, stress, performance, lightning protection, and ground and flight testing.  
• Demonstrated Knowledge of FAA regulations, including Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 21, 25, 43, Field approval, and Supplemental Type Certifications.   
• Demonstrated Knowledge of computer-aided engineering techniques (design, drafting, finite element analysis with hand calculations for direct validation, computer-aided design, etc.) sufficient to produce documentation needed for safety and certification guidelines. 
• Knowledge of special requirements for operations in the public aircraft category.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.