Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Lead Test Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Battelle's Infrastructure Safety & Security Division provides research, development, test, and evaluation services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL). The selected candidate will support the TSL Commercial Aviation Vulnerability Mitigation (CAVM) project, which involves live-fire test planning, instrumentation, and test result analysis to inform aircraft design, explosive mitigation techniques, and baggage screening policies aimed at improving commercial aviation security.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Test Engineer, the selected individual will lead and support explosive vulnerability and mitigation testing activities in direct support of DHS and national aviation security objectives. Responsibilities may include:

• Lead the development of test matrices and test planning for a range of DHS-conducted blast vulnerability and mitigation tests, utilizing DHS-supplied commercial aircraft and other test assets
• Assist DHS and its DoD contractor with the preparation, setup, and conduct of explosive vulnerability and mitigation test activities, including the identification, configuration, operation, and support of blast response measurement instrumentation (e.g., digital image correlation, blast overpressure gauges, optical measurement techniques)
• Acquire, compile, store, reduce, and analyze instrumentation data acquired during DHS-sponsored explosive mitigation testing
• Review instrumentation test plans and procedures; conduct tests, collect test data; and prepare test result analyses and program assessment reports
• Assist with predictive blast response modeling and simulation to support test planning
• Develop work breakdown structures, identify critical path elements, and track project activities
• Work in varying outdoor weather conditions at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, including the use of respirators and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with at least 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with at least 2 years of experience demonstrating professional knowledge of system testing
• Knowledge and experience in explosive testing, including blast effects measurement and related explosive test types; experience in system automation, data collection, analysis, and presentation
• Knowledge and experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for explosive testing
• Expertise in explosive performance measurement techniques, including blast pressure gauges, strain gauges, accelerometers, high-speed cameras, digital image correlation, and other blast test measurement instrumentation
• Knowledge of modeling and simulation of blast responses in aircraft structures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access databases and Excel spreadsheets
• Experience with SolidWorks design software
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to read and produce technical documents such as project plans, test plans and procedures, data analysis reports, and project final reports
• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong desire and demonstrated ability to learn on the job
• Travel is required 25-50% of the time to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
• This position requires sole U.S. citizenship. The selected candidate must have the eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and to obtain both TSA and DHS Suitability

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working for TSA or DHS
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
• Experience with 3D printing
• Coding experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Experience with mechanical engineering software such as LS-DYNA for modeling and simulation and MATLAB for mathematical analysis
• Knowledge of high-speed camera photography
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least 9 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least 3 years of experience demonstrating professional knowledge of system testing

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $87,600 - $124,800 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.