Research Engineer for Optical Spectroscopy

Job Description:

AMA is looking for a talented engineer to join our team in Hampton, VA in support of NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate supporting innovative research using spectroscopic analysis techniques to improve the understanding of flow fields and validating computational models to predict Entry, Descent and Landings, specifically for lunar landings, Mars entry and landing, and Earth return. Spectroscopic methods will be developed to provide flow visualization, measure temperature, velocity, and shear stress in reacting and non-reacting flow environments, and to detect a variety of species in reacting environments. State of the art equipment will be used to collect data within a variety of laboratory settings and large scale facilities. The outcome of the research will be used to validate computation codes and presented through conferences and journal articles.

This is an on-site, full time position located in Hampton, VA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development of spectroscopic measurement techniques to support plume surface interaction experiments for use in both lab and large research facilities.

• Use developed techniques in the the collection of flow visualization, velocity, temperature and shear stress data

• Support the use of laser spectroscopic measurement techniques to measure velocity, temperature, and/or concentration in arc jets and wind tunnels

• Attendance and participation in group meetings and branch meetings including providing presentations, briefings, and reports.

• Development of conference papers and journal articles

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or equivalent

• Very strong oral and written communication skills

• Experience building laser-based measurements systems for gaseous flow fields

• Experience with high spectral resolution laser systems

• Fundamental understanding of atomic and molecular spectroscopy

• Experience with spectroscopic measurements within high speed flows

• Understanding and experience with high enthalpy / hypersonic flow facilities operations

• Ability to effectively communicate scientific results, demonstrated through publication record

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn .

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.