Machinist / Engineering Technician

Job Description:

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a skilled and adaptable Machinist / Engineering Technician to support NASA under the Aircraft Systems and Spaceflight Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) contract at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, California. The selected candidate will work full-time on-site in the Sensors and Thermal Protection System Advanced Research Laboratories (STAR Labs), within the Thermal Protection Materials (TSM) Branch of the Entry Systems and Technology Division.

The Machinist / Engineering Technician will support the fabrication, machining, assembly, and modification of material test models, instrumentation hardware, fixtures, and other experimental components used in thermal protection system (TPS), materials, and aerothermal research activities. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, researchers, technicians, and project teams to translate engineering drawings and design concepts into high-quality, test-ready hardware.

This position requires a hands-on machinist with experience operating manual and CNC equipment, interpreting engineering drawings, designing and fabricating machining fixtures, and managing multiple fabrication tasks with changing technical priorities and schedules.

STAR Labs supports research, development, and testing activities related to thermal protection materials, TPS instrumentation, advanced materials, and experimental test hardware. The laboratory develops material test models, sensor hardware, fixtures, calibration hardware, and other components that may be used in arc-jet, plasma, thermal, mechanical, environmental, or laboratory testing.

The Machinist / Engineering Technician will support the production of one-of-a-kind and low-volume hardware, often from evolving engineering requirements. Assignments may involve machining metallic, polymeric, ceramic, composite, or other engineering materials; preparing rough stock; creating specialized fixtures; assembling test articles; and supporting instrumentation installation and model integration.

The work environment is dynamic and project driven. The candidate must be able to manage multiple concurrent assignments, communicate directly with hardware requestors to clarify requirements, and adapt when priorities, schedules, or project scope change.

• Location: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
• Work arrangement: Full-time, on-site attendance required
• Schedule: 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off) to follow STAR Labs' schedule, with overtime as needed to support project and test schedules
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required
• Compensation: $90,010 - $125,000, commensurate with education level
• Eligibility: This position requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency due to export control requirements.

• Machine, fabricate, modify, and assemble material test models, instrumentation components, fixtures, tooling, and other experimental hardware.
• Operate manual shop equipment, including mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws, and disc sanders; set up and operate CNC mills and lathes.
• Interpret engineering drawings and solid models; prepare rough stock; select tooling and workholding; and independently design and fabricate fixtures as needed.
• Perform dimensional inspection using standard precision measurement tools and communicate fabrication status, technical issues, and schedule risks to requestors and project leads.
• Support model and instrumentation assembly, including fitting, fastening, bonding, and simple hardware or electrical-integration tasks as needed.
• Manage multiple projects with changing priorities and deadlines; maintain a safe, organized, and well-equipped shop environment.
• Support laboratory and test activities as needed, including occasional overtime to meet project or test schedules.

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus relevant vocational, technical, apprenticeship, military, or professional machining experience.
• Experience operating manual machine-shop equipment, including manual mills and lathes, drill presses, band saws, disc sanders, and related equipment.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC milling machines and/or CNC lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication specifications.
• Ability to plan machining operations, select tooling and workholding, and produce parts from raw stock through finished hardware.
• Familiarity with both imperial and metric units and precision measurement equipment.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work full-time on-site at NASA Ames Research Center, work overtime as needed, and meet applicable export-control eligibility requirements.

• Associate degree in machining technology, manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a related discipline.
• Ten or more years of machining, fabrication, prototyping, or engineering laboratory experience.
• Experience with HAAS CNC mills, lathes, or Mini Mill equipment and SurfCAM or comparable CAM software.
• Basic familiarity with SolidWorks, including reviewing drawings and solid models and making minor edits.
• Experience producing prototype, one-off, or low-volume research hardware; designing custom fixtures, jigs, soft jaws, or tooling.
• Experience machining a variety of engineering materials and supporting experimental hardware, instrumentation, aerospace, materials, thermal, or high-temperature test programs.
• Experience with assembly, wiring, bonding, additive manufacturing, welding, or other complementary fabrication skills.

This position involves hands-on work in a machine-shop and laboratory environment. The successful candidate must be able to safely operate machine tools and fabrication equipment; work around machinery, tooling, test hardware, and laboratory equipment; and use required personal protective equipment. Visual acuity sufficient, with or without reasonable accommodation, to safely perform precision machining, equipment operation, and dimensional-inspection tasks, including at least one eye correctable to 20/20 vision, is required.

Depending on assignment needs, the position may involve standing for extended periods; handling and moving materials, tools, and test hardware; performing detailed assembly work; and working in shop or test-support environments.

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 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.