Technician I - Mechanical (Intern)

Summary

General Description

A junior technician position that provides general mechanical services, including facility upgrades and improvements, maintenance, repairs, system operations support, field documentation support, and ground support equipment operations support.  Mechanical support may include cryogenic, pneumatic, fuel, control, structural, HVAC, and water systems. The position requires a mechanical technician background with formal training and the ability to achieve system maintenance and operation certification.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform mechanical maintenance, alteration, and repair tasks on the VCSFA/MARS mechanical and Fluid Ground Support Equipment (FGSE) with supervision.
• Operate the VCSFA/MARS mechanical and Fluid Ground Support Equipment in accordance with approved operating procedures, including the performance of valve line-ups, replenishment of FGSE storage vessels, monitoring of FGSE storage levels, maintaining the system and area cleanliness, executing system Lock Out/Tag Out as directed, and supporting FGSE fluid and gas sampling.
• Assists with preparing quality, safety, and procedural documentation for operational and maintenance/repair activities.
• Support preparation of the VCSFA/MARS launch pads and pad system for launch vehicle roll-out/Stacking and launch.
• Support post-launch damage and readiness assessments, launch pad securing, and cleanup.
• Attend formal training as directed to pursue required certifications.
• Operate ground support equipment, including forklifts, man-lifts, boom-lifts, and tow tractors, as required in performing assigned tasks.
• Ensure completion of tasks safely, efficiently, and in accordance with VCSFA/MARS Safety, Quality, and Management Policies and Directives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this title. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. They are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

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Employment Standards

General Education

High school diploma required.  Technical training from an accredited training school or military service school is preferred.  

Current enrollment in an associate or bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university with major studies in project management, public administration, business, engineering, or science.

Job-Related Experience:

Knowledge of basic mechanical systems and devices including their principles of operation.  Skilled in the use of hand and power tools (including torque wrenches, precision measuring devices) and maintenance support equipment (vacuum and pressure pumps, jacks and lifting devices, access equipment) used in the operation, maintenance, alteration, and repair of pneumatic, cryogenic, hydraulic, HVAC, and other liquid, and control systems.

Certifications

Not Applicable

Licenses, etc.

Valid driver's license is necessary while operating a vehicle while on agency business.

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Conditions of Employment

Knowledge

General knowledge of electronics and data processing principles and computer equipment.  Knowledge of computer system design, hardware, Novel Networks, and security software is preferred.

Skills

Use of computers, printers, and related electronic equipment.

Abilities

Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing; work effectively with other agency staff and vendors; manage multiple tasks; consistently meet deadlines; participate in short- and long-range planning for the agency.

Physical Demands

Work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, such as frequent climbing, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching, or crawling in restricted areas.

Work Environment

Work involves moderate discomforts which require special precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machinery, working with irritant chemicals, and conducting field work in various outdoor weather conditions. (Predominate)

The work environment involves significant risks with exposure to potentially dangerous or extremely adverse conditions which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., fieldwork on launch pads, near high-pressure and cryogenic systems, and near extremely energetic materials.  (Infrequent - while at MARS launch pads)

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