Research Engineer

Job Description:

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) at NASA Langley Research Center is seeking an early‑career research engineer with a background in optical diagnostics to support the Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS) project. In this role, you will contribute to laser‑optics trade studies, stereo‑camera characterization, calibration development, and hands‑on ground testing inside Langley’s 60‑ft vacuum sphere. The position blends optical system design, experimental operations, and data‑driven analysis to deliver reliable, well‑documented optical hardware and high‑quality measurement products aligned with NASA’s plume surface interaction research objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support laser‑optics trade studies, stereo‑camera evaluations, and optical system design for SCALPSS.
• Characterize sensors, filters, lenses, distortion, vignetting, and FOV for next‑generation SCALPSS hardware.
• Operate SCALPSS cameras, lasers, and optical systems during plume‑surface interaction tests in Langley’s 60‑ft vacuum sphere.
• Support implementation of laser grids, laser sheets, and illumination systems for plume‑surface interaction studies.
• Assist senior researchers in applying laser‑based diagnostics in arc jets, hypersonic tunnels, and laboratory environments.
• Contributes to laboratory development of optical sensors for density and velocity measurements on entry vehicles.
• Prepare experiment reports, contribute to conference papers, and deliver datasets and analysis tools to NASA.
• Attend monthly group and branch meetings to coordinate SCALPSS progress and integrate with NASA research teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Coursework or hands‑on experience with lasers, lenses, imaging systems, and optical alignment.
• Experience characterizing cameras, sensors, and lenses.
• Experience operating lasers, cameras, and optical benches.
• Ability to analyze optical datasets and write custom scripts.
• US Citizenship required.

Desired Skills:

• Experience conducting experiments in vacuum chambers.
• Experience with PLIF, optical pyrometry, laser sheet optics, and PDV.
• Experience with high‑speed cameras and CCD imaging.
• Understanding of how optical diagnostics support computational model validation.

Salary range: $70k-$75k

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.