Engineer I - Test

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond.®

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Advanced Technology & Information Solutions Strategic Business Unit provides scientific, engineering and other experts that work with our customers to solve their hardest problems and advance state-of-the-art technology. Our data solutions professionals deliver enterprise processing, analytics, exploitation and management, as well as information technology hardware that provide actionable information for warfighters and decision makers. In addition, our subject matter experts provide world-class technology and operational insight that help organizations advance the boundaries of knowledge and accomplish their missions. 

Ball Aerospace’s Albuquerque, New Mexico office is a key provider of science and technology services to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other government research and development organizations. Our multi-discipline staff provides a broad range of scientific and engineering services, including: technology development; diagnostic development; highly-controlled laboratory measurements; field experiments and demonstrations; technology assessments; modeling and simulations; and analyses. We are seeking additional qualified professionals to join our science and technology-oriented organization.

Go to https://vimeo.com/489601451 and learn more about Ball Aerospace in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Engineer I – Test

Ball Aerospace is recruiting for an early-career professional to contribute to our growing science and technology-based organization in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We seek a motivated engineer or scientist to contribute to our on-going research investigations. The successful candidate will participate as an individual technical contributor on technology development or experimental projects; collaborate with computational scientists, analysts, and engineers; develop and implement technical solutions; and document/prepare briefings and reports.

What You’ll Do:

With some guidance from more senior technical staff, the successful applicant will perform the following:

• Contribute to conceiving, developing, and implementing experimental solutions to address thermal-, optical- or mechanical-related test objectives that may be complex or difficult in scope. Experiments may be performed in a laboratory or field setting.
• Participate with other researchers to develop a test methodology to address higher-level program goals.
• Perform uncertainty analysis to determine accuracy of proposed diagnostics.
• Contribute to the design and development specialized controls, test fixtures and diagnostics for performing laboratory or field measurements to meet test objectives. Test environments may include low-flow, subsonic, supersonic, or vacuum conditions.
• Assist in the detailed characterization of materials, components, or systems in preparation for subsequent test activities. Characterization of systems may include reviewing operational manuals or consulting with subject matter expertise to obtain a baseline understanding of equipment under test.
• Develop and implement data-reduction and analysis activities to translate laboratory-obtained data into relevant information. Quantify measurement uncertainties. Activities will likely involve the collaboration with modeling, simulation, and analysis staff.
• Preform pretest predictions using engineering or analytical models or collaborating with other research staff to develop test matrices and test decisional guidelines.
• Develop new, or use existing, predictive models for pre- and post-test analysis.
• Contribute to the development and presentation of test, safety, security, or development plans to meet identified goals and objectives.
• Provide explanation and proper interpretation of research results through technically accurate briefings and reports to stakeholders, peer groups and decision makers.
• Meet with internal and external customers and project collaborators to obtain feedback, goals, schedules, budgets, and other critical information necessary to formulate or adjust technical solutions for new or on-going projects.
• Obtain cost quotations from vendors and provide cost estimates for projects or assignments under consideration for execution.
• Conduct literature searches to identify relevant information pertaining to topic under study.
• Follow Department of Defense procedures for the proper usage and safeguarding of classified information.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 2 or more years related experience. MS degree preferred.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment including data acquisition systems, contact and non-contact thermal diagnostics, vacuum systems, optics, and lasers preferred.
• Demonstrate experience with standard safety procedures for operating in a laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory and analysis software (e.g., LabView, MatLab).

Full-Time On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment. 
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

A current DoD clearance and/or SCI access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position, however applicant must be willing and eligible for submission within 60-90 days after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.  By applying to this position, you are agreeing to complete a National Security Clearance Pre-Screen Questionnaire to evaluate your general ability to obtain the required security clearance or government customer access associated with this position.

Relocation for this position is available.

Direct Program Charge: 90%

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $81,000 - $100,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• Job Grade:  Aerospace M1 
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

Job Referral Fee: $1,000.00

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.