Position Description Summary:
APT Research is hiring a
Pressure Systems & Lifting Devices (PVS/LDE) Program Manager (SMAS Safety Engineer III) to provide Safety and Mission Assurance support to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) under the Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract. This position directly supports the GSFC Code 320 Safety and Health Division as the program manager and engineering expert for the Greenbelt Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems (PVS) and Lifting Devices and Equipment (LDE) programs.
Responsibilities:- Provide management and oversight of the GSFC Greenbelt PVS and LDE programs, including review and recommended approval of LDE/PVS testing, inspections, engineering analyses, and certification/recertification of ground-based pressure vessels and pressurized systems.
- Serve as the engineering expert on analysis and evaluation of PVS certification/recertification problems, including characterization and analysis of flaws, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and Process Piping Code analyses, acceptance criteria development and evaluation, fracture mechanics analysis, and specialized analyses to resolve engineering or inspection issues.
- Validate the Center's pressure systems and vessels to ensure safe operation at rated pressure; resolve complex revalidation issues arising from missing legacy documentation and evolving design/construction standards and criteria.
- Lead an effort to determine the current state of the Greenbelt PVS program: identify all PVS systems, assign risk categories, and determine certification status and critical safety components to enable the Center to address system deficiencies.
- Support the Division Chief in developing a plan to address Center PVS risks and bring Center PVS systems into compliance with OSHA and industry standards.
- Identify NASA/GSFC LDE or PVS requirements not required by OSHA or industry that provide no significant risk reduction and recommend process changes to drive efficiency and better enable missions.
- Serve as technical advisor and consulting safety engineer for application of current safety technologies and regulations to facilities, structures, systems, and equipment; support technical program planning and coordinate with engineers in execution.
- Key deliverables: weekly status reports; Greenbelt PVS System Risk Level and Status assessment (Oct 1, 2026); recommended PVS/LDE process improvements and requirements-tailoring report (Oct 31, 2026).
Required Experience/Education:- Education: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline (mechanical engineering strongly preferred).
- Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in pressure vessel/pressurized systems engineering, certification/recertification, and/or pressure systems program management
- Demonstrated expertise in ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Div. 1 and Div. 2, requirements and analyses.
- ASME B31.3 Process Piping requirements and analyses. API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Fitness-For-Service requirements and analyses.
- API 520 Parts I and II (sizing, selection, and installation of pressure-relieving devices) requirements and analyses.
- National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) NB-23, Parts 1, 2, and 3, requirements and applicable analyses.
- Application of nondestructive examination (NDE) methodologies for pressure vessels/systems based on their codes and standards of construction.
- System and component field inspection/verification and walk-downs against system P&IDs.
- Knowledge of safe operation of high-pressure systems.
- Ability to complete government-required training for NASA physical and computer system access.
Security Clearance Requirement:- Must be able to qualify for an unescorted badge (US Citizen required) and be able to pass a background investigation & drug test.
Essential Job Functions:Work Environment:
- Full time, 40+ hours a week when required, including periodic extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and shift changes (1st, 2nd or 3rd as required).
- Work in excess of 40 hours a week (comp time, or OT when approved by CO) will be frequently required.
- Working in non-environmentally controlled areas.
- Working at heights (with fall protection) sometimes required.
- Working in confined spaces sometimes required.
Travel Requirements:
- May Require ability to travel domestically
Physical Requirements:
- Extended periods of standing, stooping, and bending are expected.
- Ability to climb stairs
- Ability to lift >15 lbs.
Other Essential Functions:- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
- Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others
