Mechanical Test and Fluid Systems Engineer

Job Type Full-time Description Mechanical Test & Fluid Systems Engineer to provide hands-on engineering support to the Navy Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Machinery Technology and R&D organization. The engineer will support research, development, testing, and evaluation of submarine hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems and components, with particular emphasis on fluid systems, flow testing, acoustics, machinery testing, and experimental engineering. The successful candidate will provide engineering support to the Machinery Silencing RDT&E Branch Fluid Labs Group and associated test facilities, including the Quiet Flow Test Facility and Shipboard Hydraulic Laboratory. Responsibilities will include test planning and design, development of test procedures, test execution, instrumentation and data acquisition, fluid-flow and acoustic measurements, engineering analysis, troubleshooting, and preparation of technical reports. This position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys applying mechanical engineering fundamentals to real-world experimental problems and is comfortable working directly with test equipment, fluid systems, instrumentation, machinery, and engineering personnel. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the design and execution of testing, interpret experimental results, identify and troubleshoot problems, and provide engineering recommendations. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, 401K, Tuition Assistance, Paid Vacation, Paid Holiday, and Paid Sick Leave. Key Responsibilities Test Planning, Design, and Execution • Develop and support detailed test plans for operational, hydraulic, fluid-flow, acoustic, and machinery testing of submarine HM&E components and systems. • Provide engineering input to the design and configuration of laboratory and test-site setups. • Develop and document test procedures, operating instructions, and safety procedures necessary to conduct testing safely and effectively. • Review test objectives, equipment requirements, instrumentation requirements, expected operating conditions, and anticipated test results prior to test execution. • Support test readiness reviews and other technical reviews associated with laboratory and test-site operations. • Execute approved test procedures and provide hands-on engineering support during test operations. • Monitor test activities and equipment operation to identify unexpected conditions, anomalies, or performance issues requiring engineering attention. • Document test activities, observations, equipment conditions, operating parameters, and test results. • Support test planning and scheduling activities and coordinate with government engineering, laboratory, and technical personnel. Fluid Systems and Flow Testing • Apply mechanical engineering and fluid mechanics principles to the analysis and testing of hydraulic and fluid-flow systems and components. • Support testing and evaluation of submarine HM&E components, including valves, flow-control components, CORDs, and related systems. • Evaluate fluid-flow performance, pressure, flow rate, differential pressure, and other relevant operating parameters. • Assist with the design, modification, installation, operation, and troubleshooting of fluid test systems and associated laboratory equipment. • Identify potential sources of abnormal system behavior, flow instability, vibration, noise, or other performance issues. • Provide engineering recommendations related to test configuration, equipment operation, component performance, and troubleshooting. • Work collaboratively with Fluid Labs subject matter experts and engineering personnel to resolve technical issues encountered during testing. Acoustic Testing and Analysis • Support the acquisition, processing, and engineering evaluation of acoustic measurements obtained during operational and flow testing. • Evaluate acoustic test results against established operational thresholds, requirements, or expected performance. • Support the setup, verification, and operation of acoustic sensors, instrumentation, and associated data acquisition systems. • Analyze acoustic and vibration-related test data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential sources of excessive noise or vibration. • Apply fundamental principles of acoustics, vibration, fluid mechanics, and mechanical systems to interpret experimental results. • Support engineering investigations into machinery, fluid-flow, and component-generated acoustic phenomena. • Communicate acoustic test results and engineering findings to government and contractor engineering personnel. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition • Configure, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems used during mechanical, fluid, and acoustic testing. • Verify instrumentation and data acquisition equipment are properly configured and functioning prior to testing. • Select and apply appropriate measurement techniques and instrumentation for engineering test requirements. • Assist with troubleshooting sensors, transducers, DAQ hardware, signal-conditioning equipment, and associated test instrumentation. • Maintain appropriate documentation of instrumentation configuration, calibration status, test setup, and measurement requirements. • Utilize C324 data acquisition systems to configure and record test data during test execution. • Review collected data for completeness, consistency, validity, and indications of anomalous test conditions. Engineering Analysis and Technical Evaluation • Perform engineering analysis of experimental test results using appropriate mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics, and acoustic principles. • Evaluate test data to determine component and system performance relative to test objectives and expected operating conditions. • Identify trends, relationships, anomalies, and significant findings within experimental data. • Compare test results against established requirements, baseline performance, theoretical expectations, or previous test results when appropriate. • Develop engineering calculations, plots, tables, and other technical analyses to support evaluation of test results. • Use MATLAB, Excel, or other engineering analysis tools as appropriate to support data processing and engineering evaluation. • Apply engineering judgment to determine whether test results are technically reasonable and whether additional testing or troubleshooting may be required. • Communicate engineering findings and recommendations to project engineers, government technical personnel, and other stakeholders. Engineering Design and Troubleshooting • Provide engineering support for the design, modification, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of HM&E laboratory and test systems. • Assist in developing practical engineering solutions to test-system, equipment, instrumentation, and component problems. • Review engineering drawings, schematics, equipment specifications, test configurations, and technical documentation. • Identify potential improvements to test setups, instrumentation, procedures, and equipment. • Support repair and modification activities associated with laboratory and test equipment. • Work with engineers, technicians, and laboratory personnel to implement and verify engineering solutions. • Provide engineering recommendations based on test results, observed equipment behavior, and applicable engineering principles. Technical Documentation and Reporting • Prepare technical documentation describing test objectives, test configuration, procedures, instrumentation, operating conditions, results, analysis, and conclusions. • Prepare and review post-test technical reports and engineering deliverables. • Develop charts, plots, tables, calculations, and other engineering presentations of test results. • Maintain clear and traceable documentation of test activities, engineering analyses, equipment configuration, and technical decisions. • Prepare supporting documentation for Mission Readiness Panels and other technical reviews as required. • Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews. • Present technical findings and recommendations to engineering personnel and other stakeholders as required. Laboratory and Engineering Support • Support preparation, setup, operation, modification, and teardown of laboratory test equipment and machinery. • Maintain laboratory equipment and test setups in a safe and operational condition. • Support troubleshooting and resolution of test equipment, instrumentation, machinery, fluid-system, and facility issues. • Follow established laboratory, engineering, quality, security, and safety procedures. • Work collaboratively with mechanical, electrical, acoustics, fluid systems, test, laboratory, and other engineering personnel. • Perform additional engineering analysis, testing, design, and laboratory support activities as assigned. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university. • Minimum of three (3) years of relevant engineering experience. • Professional experience with mechanical testing, fluid systems, fluid flow, acoustics, vibration, or related experimental engineering activities. • Demonstrated understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including fluid mechanics and mechanical systems. • Experience developing, reviewing, or executing engineering test plans and procedures. • Experience with laboratory or field instrumentation, sensors, transducers, and/or data acquisition systems. • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, test procedures, technical documentation, and equipment specifications. • Ability to analyze experimental data and apply engineering judgment to evaluate test results. • Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems, test equipment, instrumentation, or fluid systems. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineers, technicians, laboratory personnel, government personnel, and project management. • Ability and willingness to perform hands-on engineering activities in a laboratory and test environment. Clearance & Certifications /Special Requirements • U.S. citizenship required; must possess or be able to obtain a Secret clearance within 90 days of hire. • Must have a valid US passport or the ability to obtain one upon position acceptance. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with fluid-flow testing, hydraulic systems, or experimental fluid mechanics. • Experience with acoustic testing, noise measurement, vibration testing, or machinery silencing. • Experience evaluating acoustic data against operational or engineering requirements. • Experience with valves, flow-control devices, piping systems, hydraulic components, or other HM&E equipment. • Experience developing test-site configurations or providing engineering design guidance for laboratory testing. • Experience troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or fluid flow systems. • Experience with laboratory data acquisition systems and instrumentation. • Experience with pressure, flow, temperature, vibration, acoustic, or other engineering measurement systems. • Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, Excel, or other engineering analysis and test-support software. • Experience supporting naval, maritime, submarine, defense, or other government engineering programs. • Experience with submarine hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems. • Familiarity with engineering test and evaluation processes. • Familiarity with technical reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reporting. • Familiarity with Navy laboratory, test facility, or shipboard engineering environments. Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site engineering position located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The position requires a combination of hands-on laboratory and test activities and office-based engineering analysis and documentation. The engineer should be comfortable working directly with machinery, fluid systems, piping and components, instrumentation, sensors, acoustic measurement equipment, and data acquisition systems. The position may require participation in test setup, equipment installation or modification, troubleshooting, test execution, and teardown activities. Because the position supports work requiring access to classified information, an active Secret security clearance is required. Candidates with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and relevant experience in fluid mechanics, acoustics, mechanical testing, experimental engineering, or HM&E systems are encouraged to apply. Experience supporting Navy or defense programs and experience working in laboratory or test environments are highly desirable. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an early- to mid-career mechanical engineer who enjoys applying engineering fundamentals to hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and design problems. The candidate should have a strong foundation in fluid mechanics and mechanical systems, with practical experience or demonstrated interest in acoustics, vibration, fluid-flow testing, or experimental engineering. This individual should be comfortable moving between the laboratory and engineering office-helping design a test setup, configuring instrumentation, operating and troubleshooting