Prototype Fabrication Specialist for Human Spaceflight

Description

Leidos has an opening for a Prototype and Mockup Fabrication Specialist for Human Spaceflight.

This position is within the Leidos Health & Civil Sector, which supports the Health and Human Performance Contract at NASA Johnson Space Center. This is your opportunity to join the myriad of teams sustaining a human presence in space while working to return humans to the moon and beyond. Specifically, the incumbent will join the Center for Design and Space Architecture (CDSA) team, which specializes in human-centered design and leverages skill in architecture and industrial design to provide solutions to human spaceflight problems. Our team supports a variety of NASA programs at varying stages of development. Currently we are looking for a designer, prototype technician, or model maker who excels in mockup development and fabrication.

The ideal candidate will leverage hands-on fabrication experience and user-centered design knowledge to build mockups and models that contribute to the design of feasible, user-friendly products for human spaceflight. You will work on site at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas and will routinely collaborate with engineers and scientists to ensure designs meet technical and functional requirements and ensure on-time delivery of products.

We are looking for a candidate who excels at rapid prototyping and has hands-on experience working on small-scale production of one-off models using a broad range of materials and techniques. The ideal candidate also has an affinity for complex technical problem-solving and operates well in an engineering-driven organization.

Tasks may include:

• Creating concept designs for equipment, hardware or spacecraft that demonstrate the feasibility of the concept of operations
• Designing and fabricating full-scale mockups based on existing CAD of spacecraft designs
• Integrating new mockups into existing structures
• Conducting testing and evaluation of mockups to ensure they meet safety standards
• Providing technical support to astronaut simulations which utilize these mockups
• Improving mockup designs based on testing data and astronaut feedback

• Design and fabricate models and mockups at varying fidelities and size
• Generate renderings and other visual communication products
• Create accurate, clean and complete CAD models for manufacturing and integration of mockups
• Design/fabricate/assemble components, equipment, structures that meet safety requirements for human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
• Clearly communicate to provide updates and progress on your projects, and support design decisions
• Collaborate with other team members on integrated design projects (i.e. complete cabin layout, full-scale mockup)
• Independently troubleshoot and problem-solve issues that might arise during your mockup development process
• Work with subject matter experts to iteratively develop and understand projects requirements and specifications
• Maintain an organized, clean and safe environment in the workshops
• Assist in the development and documentation of processes for fabrication, design and documentation of mockups and models

• Must have a portfolio and prior experience that demonstrates their ability to design user-centered products and illustrates their expertise in physical construction and digital design
• Must have refined knowledge of the iterative design process and exhibit professionalism through all aspects of collaboration, critique, and design communication
• Excellent design and construction skills across multiple physical and digital mediums is essential as is effective interpersonal communication and teamwork
• Experience and skill in Rhino3D or similar CAD program is required.

• A Bachelor of Science in a design or engineering discipline
• At least 3 years of professional experience that involved designing and building hardware, equipment, and/or prototypes of varying fidelity and size and the associated fabrication experience with a wide range of materials
• Extensive shop experience and skill with a variety of tools, machines, and materials
• Experience with VRay and Adobe Creative Cloud; and experience leveraging VR in the iterative design process
• Excellent organization and planning skills