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Company Openings and Information
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| Career Openings |
Note: All employees are required to sign and adhere to a non-disclosure document.
Also, be sure to check out our Internship process.
Communications Engineer Apply for this Position
Employee will be responsible for researching, designing, recommending, implementing and maintaining system busses as per engineering specifications. System bus technologies are expected to be highly optimized low bandwidth implementations of the J1708 and/or CAN protocols. In addition, the employee will handle the design, implementation and day-to-day maintenance of the company LAN as required. LAN technologies will include Linux, Windows, other proprietary systems, and experience-specific systems as designated by the employee. (Earle Bishop)
Mecha Engineering, Application Apply for this Position
The individual interested in the more physical part of the design process (IE, the results) must be first and foremost adept at technical communication. Basic understanding of welding, CNC lathing, metallurgy, and structural design are a must. Arguing with engineers is required. Beyond designing and specifying components, an applications engineer or tech must also be capable of examining for the possibility of engineering oversights or errors. Component level testing should be expected, as well as some experimentation and evaluation. (Earle Bishop)
Mecha Engineering, Theory Apply for this Position
Besides basic physics, chemistry, metallurgy, and design, one needs a good capability in practical applications. This is an entirely new frontier, so expect to get dirty. At a minimum, combustion engine mechanics, computer programming, and electronics will be needed, allowing one to have a broad comprehension range. This greatly reduces development time, and makes the process of designing and combining specific elements much more fluid. One must also be able to effectively communicate with other mecha engineers. This includes explaining concepts, and farming new ideas. Ownership is a requirement. If a project element's design has problems, you are responsible to fix them. Component level design and theory should be expected, as well as some experimentation, evaluation, and research. Expect a fair amount of work with computer simulations, and computer modeling. (Earle Bishop)
Mecha Technologist, Application Apply for this Position
A journey level candidate with a strong educational background, and will follow the lead of a supervisory Mecha Engineer. The Technologist will work closely with Engineers, and assist them in completing tasks and projects. (Earle Bishop)
Mecha Technologist, Theory Apply for this Position
A journey level candidate with a strong educational background, and will follow the lead of a supervisory Mecha Engineer. The Technologist will work closely with Engineers, and assist them in completing research, evaluation, and experimentation. (Earle Bishop)
Diesel Mechanic Apply for this Position
Under the direction of a Supervisor, perform journey-level mechanical repair and maintenance on mecha engines, MPS auto fleet, and equipment. This includes gas-powered mechanical or automotive equipment; maintain, repair or replace various systems and components, including electrical, brakes, transmissions, differentials, steering and cooling systems; assure vehicles meet safety and operation requirements. (Earle Bishop)
Hydraulic Systems Engineer Apply for this Position
Coordinate and participate in a variety of complex activities related to hydraulic system maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of systems, vehicles, elevators and docking units involved in the operation of MPS facilities to include, but not limited to, electrical systems and equipment, mechanical systems and equipment, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems and equipment. This includes the design, repair, adjustment, preventative maintenance, and sourcing of parts and systems. (Earle Bishop)
Welder / Metallurgist Apply for this Position
Certifiable Welder with industry experience that can recommend, source, and light machine parts and metals to specifications as directed. The individual will be responsible for reading prints, handling welding of mig (GMAW), tig (GTAW), and arc (SMAW), finishing, fabricating of complete parts to spec, and sourcing and maintaining equipment. (Earle Bishop)
General Machining Apply for this Position
Machine and process precision parts for laboratory equipment or apparatus according to rough drawings, specifications, or ideas of others; operate lathes, drill presses, saws, shapers, milling machines and grinders. Perform a variety of specialized mechanical and related duties for MPS, to include; cleaning, maintaining, adjusting, modifying, repairing, restoring, and rebuilding precision instruments, laboratory equipment and hardware, and electric equipment. Fabricate parts, and maintain adequate stock. (Earle Bishop)
Mathematic Programmer Apply for this Position
Mastery of differential equations, particularly in three or more dimensions. Experience or resolution to program in C, C++, Assembly, or Perl. Neural networks and dimensional analysis are also necessary. A strong physics background coupled with a practical approach to problem solving makes the perfect Mathematic Programmer. (Earle Bishop)
Front End Visual Programmer Apply for this Position
Programming experience in C, C++, Perl, or a combination of. Using SDL and OpenGL visual languages, and having a demonstrated grasp of three-dimensional programming concepts. A good eye for interface design and implementation is also necessary. (Earle Bishop) Industrial Control Engineer
Knowledgeable Electrical Engineer with experience in Embedded system design and implementation. (Earle Bishop)
General Secretarial Staff Apply for this Position
General secretarial duties with some bookkeeping and Internet research. Must have demonstrative abilities in Excel, Word, and FrontPage. A demeanor proper for interacting with people is required. (Earle Bishop)
Sales, Marketing and Design Apply for this Position
Sales, Marketing, and campaign design with an industrial company. This includes performing and evaluating market research, and layout and copywriting for propaganda. One must be aware of the technical errata, and maintain ownership of the MPS corporate image, and overall presentation to the public. This includes fliers, speech content, and website materials. (Earle Bishop)
Janitorial Staff Apply for this Position
General janitorial duties. (Earle Bishop)
Concept Artist Apply for this Position
An artist with a passion for all things mechanical. Must be able to create feasible representations that are pleasing to the eye using visual and written specifications. (Earle Bishop)
Mechanical Engineer Apply for this Position
Work, educational, or combination experience under the title of Mechanical Engineer. (Earle Bishop)
Electrical Engineer Apply for this Position
Work, educational, or combination experience under the title of Electrical Engineer. (Earle Bishop)
Automotive Electrician Apply for this Position
The ideal candidate had general automotive knowledge, and at least limited experience with ECU programming and troubleshooting. The minimum skills are troubleshooting of electrical systems in an automotive setting. (Earle Bishop)
Webmaster Apply for this Position
Perform maintenance on existing web site, and edits and additions as required. Some graphic experience is desired. This position necessitates basic HTML skills, and an eye for detail. Experience with either FTP or unix filesystem navigation required.
Web Programmer Apply for this Position
Writer of CGI programs using in the PERL scripting language and database interaction. This role offers both additions to existing infrastructure and new coding projects. Basic HTML skills required. Security experience is a plus.
3D Animator and Modeler Apply for this Position
Two positions in one. 3D modeler with moderate detail level and a tendency to clean, realistic looking models that are suited for animating. 3D animator with scene generation, rendering, and animation experience.
General Labor Apply for this Position
Capable of lift exceeding 50lbs, good communicator, eye for safety, prefer experience in any of the following: General troubleshooting, drywall, paint, electrical, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, other related construction jobs.
| | Company Summary |
The goal of Mechanized Propulsion Systems (MPS) is to Design, Create, and Pilot the first Bipedal humanoid industrial machinery within the next 25 years. The MPS team is a group of individuals who have volunteered their time and resources to the realization of this goal.
We are a group based out of Bakersfield and Los Angles California with facilities near Rosamond, California. We have decided to bring to life our dreams of real, working mecha, as seen in Japanese animated works. We propose to complete this task by: Following a development initiative plan: Using proven, existing technology By using existing technology, and developing new mecha-tech based on our functional concepts, our current plans envision a fully completed and operational prototype mecha within a few short years! MPS has been developing: Pilot Control Interfaces, Proof of concept prototypes, and Assembling parts since February of 2000. Slowly but surely, one piece at a time, our dream is coming together.
MPS foresees a future where mecha have been adapted to uses in the: Commercial, Industrial, and Military Defense arenas. With a highly modular and adaptable approach to both design and implementation, we have ensured that mecha-tech will make the grade for any situation or use. (mechaps)
| | Company Culture |
The ideal MPS employee is alert, objective, and an all around good person. The ideal candidate is capable of criticism and producing excellent, thorough results. Clock-watchers need not apply. Members of the MPS Team love what they do, and it shows. The MPS company environment is causal, and easy going. Progress is not based on stringent supervision, but a sense of immense satisfaction in a job well done. MPS works hard, and plays hard. Our work is a central part of our lives, and the company attempts to support and nurture its employees. MPS aims to keep its constituents happy, educated, and entertained. Facility amenities reflect this desire to be happy, learn and grow. The MCF houses full living quarters, personal storage, and recreation areas. Entertainment elements include big screen TV, media library, LAN, Internet access, arcade game units, shooting range, Frisbee golf, pool, ATVs, and off road 4x4ing.
| | Regional Economic Forecast |
The economic forecast for the Palmdale area is rapidly growing. The mean household income is 73,000$ USD per annum. Its proximity to Los Angeles makes commuters a common site. Recent growth is prompting a lower percentage of workers to make the trip. Lancaster supports a larger, older city base, providing a second city for the hotbed of aerospace development and related support employment. Outlook for the Rosamond areas is "ok." Outlying parts of the area are sparsely populated, yet the area maintains an uncharacteristically high percentage of technology workers. This is due to the presence of several government funded defense industry emplacements, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Other government-sponsored facilities include the Dryden NASA research center and Edwards Air Force Base. Given the lack of population density and other trademark industries for California (such as oil and commercial agriculture) there is not much growth. Given the relatively high quantity of government jobs, the area is essentially recession-proof, and maintains a moderate, but steady growth rate. The county of Kern, in which Rosamond resides, is California's third largest in land area. For reference, Kern County is slightly larger than the state of Massachusetts. The Area around Rosamond, however, is commonly referred to as the "Antelope Valley." The largest economic component is Palmdale. Increased military and defense industry work has made Palmdale in the top ten fastest growing US cities, two years running. Retail sales are also at an increase, 9% vs. the CA. average of 0.4% (Wormser). Although Rosamond is an outlying area, it benefits from similar circumstance. The Antelope Valley has a better unemployment rate, about 6%, as compared to that of Kern County's 10.3%. Other principle industries, such as agriculture, are still gaining size, as opposed to Kern County's slight, but steady, decline.
| | Regional Living Conditions and Quality of Life |
The area around Rosamond is considerably less matured than its immediate urban counterparts. The high concentration of military personnel and defense contractors serves to stimulate the municipal economy, yet the city itself supports very little in the way of amenities. There are three hotels in town. There are two bars. Automotive repair is slight. There is a hardware store. There is no theater, car rental, or multipurpose discount stores (such as Wal-mart). Several fast food places are available along the main street (Rosamond blvd) and a small mall area containing a video rental store and supermarket. The majority of larger city facilities can be accessed after a short drive to Edwards, Lancaster, or Palmdale.
This proximity and immaturity with respect to larger municipal entities means a lower cost of living, and readily available housing. The sparse population and existence of non-commercial farm owners provides a low crime index in occupied areas. Unattended residences in remote locations should be wary of theft.
The Antelope Valley ethic distribution is 59.7% White, 8.2% Black, and 5.2% Asian. About 23.5% are Hispanic. Lancaster and Palmdale support a healthy median income of about $45,000. Average income ranges in incorporated cities are $40-65,000. About 25% of all Antelope Valley non-farm jobs are in each retail, government, and services. (LAEDC) About 90% of all manufacturing employment is in 'transportation.' This reflects the strong influence of aerospace upon the region.
| | Associated Industry Evaluation |
MPS is by no means alone in the technology sector in this region. Beyond the heavy hitters of NASA, USAF, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, the region supports many other high tech endeavors. A few examples are:
U.S. Pole Company (Palmdale) - a specialty lighting manufacturer
Robert F. Chapman (Lancaster) - a sheet metal processing company
Starwood Enterprises (Lancaster) - a large volume call center
Teledyne Ryan (Palmdale) - an aircraft manufacturer
Murphy Switch Co. (Palmdale) - an electronic component manufacturer
Thermal R&D (Lancaster) - an automotive aftermarket manufacturer
This represents a fairly accurate view of the region's employment environment. The work landscape is made up of many small companies. Only about a dozen companies have more than 250 employees, and only two have over 1,000.
| | Geographic Location and Climate Details |
Rosamond is located towards the far south of Kern County, and exists just above the border line with Los Angeles County. The urban areas around Rosamond are Edwards, Mojave, Lancaster, and Palmdale. Los Angeles and Bakersfield are about 1 hour's travel. The climate is typical "High Desert," that is, a high elevation and very dry climate. Rainy season is in spring. There is an abundant variety of desert wildlife, and many areas that are mostly undeveloped for those of the 'weekend warrior' persuasion. The hot, dry summer can cause burns from sun exposure. Some agricultural use of pesticides and frequently high winds contribute to air that can be dirty, but is generally very favorable. The elevation prevents the collection of outright smog. The elevation and lack of urban development provide a night skyscape that is crystal clear, and bright. Occasional high winds can cause damage to unsecured structures or property.
| | History and Points of Interest |
The Mojave Desert area is home to the mainstay of west coast military development, it plays host to many historical firsts, and the beginning of many token components of the US technical and military prowess. The beginnings of the United States space and rocket programs are nearby. The first unmanned flight around the world was launched from the Mojave Airport. The Mojave Airport also hosts the Xplane project. Willow Springs is a historic ghost town that has been maintained and restored. Several stone markers explain the details of its past. The Willow Springs International Raceway makes for some interesting scenes on Rosamond blvd. In a single weekend, you might see a dozen Dodge Vipers, and a dozen roll caged Porsche 911s. The Feline Wildlife Refuge provides an interesting look at a number of different 4-legged 'cats' and familial desert wildlife. As is common in this area, there is an airport suitable for landing and storing small personal aircraft. The Antelope Valley has a long history of unparalleled expertise in advanced flight research and development. International flights are available from the Palmdale Regional Airport, which is operated by Los Angeles World Airports. The Palmdale Regional Airport hosts a number of past 'uberplanes' that are on public display.
| | Sources |
MPS Website 5/6/03; http://www.MechaPS.com
Bishop, Earle. Personal Interview. 6th May 2003; Project Coordinator, Mechanized Propulsion Systems
Wilson, Jim. "Building The Future." Popular Mechanics; March 2002: 19
Wormser, Marci. "A.V.s Economic Forecast Sunny, Bright." A.V. Journal
May 30, 2003?LAEDC. "2000-2001 Economic Overview & Forecast" LAEDC Publication Sept 2000
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