SPACE ROBOTICS WORKERS SEARCHING FOR:
Design Engineer for Additively Manufactured Pressurized Aluminum Tank for Space Applications
TASKS
Develop a flight-representative design for a pressurized aluminum tank optimized for metal additive manufacturing and suitable for space applications.
The scope includes design, analysis, manufacturability optimization and test planning.
Provide end-to-end engineering support for a space-grade pressure vessel designed for additive manufacturing, including:
* Review and refine system-level requirements, including:
1. Operating pressure and proof/burst margins
2. Fluid type (e.g. inert gas, propellant, cryogenic if applicable)
3. Temperature range
4. Mission profile (cycles, duration, environment)
5. Interfaces (valves, mounting, feed lines)
* Define applicable safety factors and failure criteria (NASA STD, ECSS, etc.)
* Develop initial tank architectures, including:
1. Geometry (cylindrical, spherical ends, domes)
2. Wall thickness and reinforcement strategy
3. Integrated features (ports, flanges, bosses)
* Characterization of the critical manufacturing parameters for the 3D printing like:
1. Deposition rate (mm/s)
2. Velocity
3. Thermal dissipation
* Trade-off analysis:
1. Mass vs strength
2. Manufacturability vs performance
3. Conventional vs AM-specific geometries
* Optimize design for:
1. Selected AM process (e.g. WAAM, DED, LPBF if applicable)
2. Build orientation and support minimization
3. Residual stress mitigation
4. Distortion control
* Define:
1. Material (e.g. AlSi10Mg, 6061/5083 variants if feasible)
2. Heat treatment strategy
3. Surface finishing requirements
* Perform detailed analyses:
1. Pressure vessel stress analysis (static and dynamic simulations)
2. Fatigue life estimation (if cyclic loading)
3. Fracture mechanics assessment
4. Thermal gradients and effects (if relevant)
* Conduct:
1. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
2. Leak-before-burst assessment
3. Identification of critical failure points (ports, weld-equivalents, layer interfaces)
* Define manufacturing approach:
1. Recommended AM technology (WAAM / DED / EBAM)
2. Build parameters (high-level)
* Identify post-processing steps:
1. Heat treatment
2. Machining
3. Non-destructive inspection (CT, ultrasound, dye penetrant)
* Develop a test program including:
1. Proof pressure test
2. Burst test
3. Leak testing (helium mass spec or equivalent)
4. Structural validation
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Mechanical and/or Aerospace University degrees
* English language
* Proven experience (3-5 years) in:
1. Aerospace or space hardware design
2. Pressure vessels or propellant tanks
3. Metal additive manufacturing (DfAM)
* Availability to work on-site in Santander (Spain) or Torino (Italy) in a full-time capacity (no hybrid scheme)