Design Engineer

Job Description

Virginia Spaceport Authority is seeking a skilled and motivated Design Engineer to support the development, modification, and maintenance of cryogenic and fluid systems, including associated pumps, tanks, and piping networks at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). This role is essential to the safe and efficient delivery of propellants, inert gases, and other mission-critical fluids throughout our ground support infrastructure.

SUMMARY

General Description:

The Design Engineer will be responsible for the design, analysis, and specification of piping systems, cryogenic storage tanks, and fluid handling equipment supporting space launch operations. This includes projects ranging from system upgrades and expansions to new facility construction.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Develop and update P&IDs, piping layouts, and detailed mechanical system designs for cryogenic and high-pressure systems, incorporating pumps, tanks, valves, controls, and instrumentation.

Collaborate with internal and external customers to define and refine system requirements, ensuring compliance with operating parameters and appropriate engineering margins.

Support the Operations and Maintenance team during system activation, including initial testing, data analysis, system tuning, and root cause analysis of non-conformances.

Perform and review engineering analyses (thermal, hydraulic, mechanical) to verify systems meet operational needs and customer-defined performance criteria.

Prepare and review drawing packages and documentation to ensure all designs are robust, code-compliant, and suitable for intended operating conditions.

Provide technical guidance and training on design principles, system function, and operational procedures across MARS facilities.

Coordinate directly with internal stakeholders including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality Assurance, and management to ensure alignment across projects and disciplines.

Develop and manage task plans, including scope definition, budget estimates, schedule development, and performance metrics, in compliance with all applicable quality and safety policies.

Create and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, design review materials, and detailed technical calculations.

Lead or participate in field inspections and readiness reviews, assessing installation quality and compliance with design and safety requirements.

Generate and oversee system change documentation aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety, reliability, and maintainability.

Manage and provide oversight for maintenance, alteration, and operational activities, ensuring they are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Apply independent engineering judgment to resolve complex technical issues and develop innovative solutions for ground support systems.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of spaceport development and operations.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

General Education

College: Bachelor's Degree

Major: Engineering or related

Job-Related Experience: 3-5 years of design engineering experience is preferred, including working knowledge of ASME B31.3 (Process Piping Code) and other relevant piping design standards (e.g., ASME Section VIII, API 570, API 579). Experience in the design, analysis, and inspection of piping systems, including material selection, flexibility analysis, and pressure drop calculations. Preferred familiarity with pipe stress analysis software such as CAESAR II or AutoPIPE. Experience with P&ID development, isometric drawings, and piping layout design using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Solidworks, or similar tools. Knowledge of welding, non-destructive testing (NDT), and fabrication methods relevant to piping systems. Understanding of hazardous area classifications, pressure relief systems, and fluid flow principles as they relate to industrial piping networks. Experience working with cryogenic, high-pressure, or corrosive fluid systems. Familiarity with regulatory and safety requirements for industrial and aerospace facilities. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot piping system failures, leaks, and operational inefficiencies. Ability to review and interpret vendor documentation, technical specifications, and mechanical datasheets for piping components.

Certifications: PE license preferred.

Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary when operating a vehicle while on agency business.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of engineering disciplines and industry practices as applied to the operation of technical facilities. Familiar with design, construction, activation, operation, and decommissioning of complex systems. Understand operational support functions such as logistics, procurement, contracts, equipment maintenance, quality assurance-related process control systems, safety programs related to industrial operations, and environmental regulations as applied to support functions.

Skills:

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Organization and attention to detail

Proficient with Microsoft Office or related programs.

SharePoint experience preferred.

Abilities:

Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Demonstrates high professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In certain situations, employee may be asked to respond to emergencies during work hours or outside of work hours, based on the needs of VSA.

Physical Demands:

Light lifting of computer equipment

Typical office activities, including:

Sitting

Using hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects

Talking, listening, hearing

The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Position may travel between VSA sites.

Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Must have ability to view objects from a close distance and adjust focus.

Mental/Sensory:

Employee conveys information and ideas clearly, both orally and in written English.

Anticipates, prevents, identifies, and solves problems in the workplace.

Assimilates complex information. Listens to, comprehends, and clarifies concerns and issues raised by colleagues and clients.

Emergency situations may present unpredictable scenarios, not anticipated in this job description

Emotional:

Works well in stressful, high-pressure work environment.

Maintains composure and objectivity.

Is respectful.

Works with diverse personalities and levels.

Exercises a high degree of discretion when handling confidential data, documents, correspondences, and other information.

Handles multiple priorities and adapts to frequent change.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting.

Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a NASA credential.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.

Full-time