Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to be responsible for technical support in laboratory and field research studies. This is a full-time position in direct support of research protocols involving the development of exoskeleton solutions for Service members with tibial stress fracture and open tibia fractures. The incumbent will have a background in mechanical testing of materials (human cadaver experience preferred) and be responsible for conducting the materials testing protocols that will involve human cadaveric lower limbs and exoskeleton prototypes during cyclic testing to simulate gait, data collection with optical motion capture system and strain measurements, and all of the mechanical testing portions of this project. The incumbent will also be participating in the design and development of our exoskeletal prototypes.

This position will be in support of the Military Performance Laboratory (MPL) within the Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Department located at the Center of the Intrepid (CFI) in the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to the Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Department. The aim of the CFI is to provide state-of-the-art care for wounded service members as they return to the highest levels of physical, psychological and emotional function. The MPL provides injured military members with the best technology available to advance care for Service members with movement dysfunctions.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Setup and perform materials testing on exoskeleton devices with human cadavers or limb surrogates using materials testing equipment and a motion capture system.
• Ensure materials testing equipment is properly setup and maintained in accordance to manufacturers guidelines and local standard operating procedures.
• Provide engineering and analytical services related to data acquisition, instrumentation, data management, and data analysis according to approved protocols, policies, and/or plans to ensure quality, accuracy and reproducibility of data/results.
• Provide services related to the preparation of reports, presentations and other documentation on research findings, which will be distributed, presented and/or discussed within the laboratory and/or at scientific or safety forums outside the laboratory.
• Ensure regulatory compliance throughout testing.
• Participate in the design and development process of the exoskeleton system.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Biomechanical or Materials Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and destructive and non-destructive failure analysis.
• Knowledge of Finite Element modeling, techniques and tools.
• Excellent written and oral communications and interpersonal relations to include development of test plans, technical reports and scientific publications/presentations.
• Experience with Instron universal testing equipment.
• Experience with handling human cadavers.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place in an office setting.

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.