Aeromechanical Design Engineer - Metrology SME

Job Title

Aeromechanical Design Engineer – Metrology SME

Location : Edwards AFB, CA 93523 US (Primary)

Category : Scientist

Job Type : Full-Time

Education : Bachelor\'s Degree

Security Clearance Required : Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Job Summary

The Aeromechanical Design Engineer – Metrology Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides senior-level engineering support to the Operations Engineering Branch (Code 430) under NASA Armstrong\'s Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract. This position serves as the Center\'s technical expert in dimensional metrology using Romer Arm portable coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) and associated analysis software.

The engineer leads the planning, setup, and execution of precision measurement and alignment operations supporting aircraft modification, tooling verification, and structural integration. By integrating mechanical design expertise with hands-on metrology operations, this role ensures dimensional integrity, geometric accuracy, and flight-readiness compliance for experimental aircraft and ground-test systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary metrology authority for the Aeromechanical Design Group, focusing on Romer Arm (portable CMM) measurement operations and data processing.
• Plan and execute precision measurement tasks to validate airframe geometry, tooling interfaces, and component installation alignment.
• Develop and implement measurement workflows, including calibration, setup, feature definition, and coordinate-system alignment using Romer Arm equipment and software (e.g., PolyWorks, Verisurf, or SpatialAnalyzer).
• Interpret and apply GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5) to measurement planning, part verification, and tolerance analysis.
• Integrate metrology results with 3D CAD models (CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks) to support design verification and as-built model generation.
• Develop best practices and written procedures for Romer Arm operation, calibration, data handling, and traceability.
• Perform comparative analysis between design and measured data, identify dimensional deviations, and recommend corrective actions to design and fabrication teams.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers and technicians to plan measurement campaigns, establish datums, and verify mechanical installations during aircraft modification.
• Prepare technical documentation including inspection plans, dimensional-conformance reports, uncertainty statements, and calibration logs.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians in Romer Arm operation, software utilization, and measurement methodology.
• Participate in structural design reviews and fit-check validations, providing metrology data to ensure conformance and proper integration.
• Ensure compliance with NASA AFRC and ETSS requirements for safety, calibration control, and data integrity.

On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB). Typical Schedule : 7 : 00 AM – 4 : 30 PM, 9 / 80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period). Hands-on work in hangar and laboratory environments; use of PPE and precision-handling equipment required. Occasional travel or extended hours may be needed during active integration or test campaigns.

Key Benefits and Impact

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

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.

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