Mechanical Engineer III

Oceaneering•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer III specializes in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) for launch, re-entry, and hypersonic vehicle applications. The role involves designing, analyzing, and developing textile, mechanical, and electromechanical TPS components and systems, including subsystems for launch vehicles and human-rated spacecraft. The engineer serves as a technical subject matter expert, providing leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer while collaborating across functions and engaging with customers. The position also supports business development and technical sales through proposals, presentations, and technical support across pre-award and post-award sales cycles. The engineer applies advanced engineering principles to stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics analyses; addresses tolerance, interface, and manufacturing considerations; and supports test planning and execution, requirements documentation, safety and technical risk assessments, and project closeout. Designs must meet customer and program requirements while considering producibility, affordability, and cost and schedule impacts. The role reports to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor and has no supervisory responsibilities. Proof of U.S. citizenship and ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation are required.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
At least 5 years of experience developing mechanical/electromechanical hardware and systems for launch vehicles and systems.
Thermal Protection Systems design and development experience.
Knowledge and experience designing, developing, and fabricating mechanical/electromechanical hardware products and systems.
Knowledge and experience in textile and/or thermal protection systems design and development, including familiarity with textile fabrication methods and techniques.
Solid understanding of manufacturing and production processes for hardware and textile products.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Experience with customer engagement and technical sales.
U.S. citizenship; proof of citizenship is required.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform CAD modeling and generate manufacturing drawings using Solid Works or Pro-E Creo.
Experience with MathCAD.
Experience with ASME Y14.5, 14.24, and 14.41 drawing standards.
Experience using LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, guidance, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to junior engineers.
Design textile, mechanical, and electromechanical TPS systems, subsystems, and components for launch vehicles and human-rated spacecraft.
Perform and evaluate stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics analyses to ensure designs meet fit, form, and function requirements.
Maintain technical excellence and quality throughout engineering execution, including test setups, test operations, documentation, and project closeout.
Oversee tolerance analysis, interface definition, and manufacturing considerations to ensure designs are producible, affordable, and aligned with customer and program requirements.
Apply knowledge of aerospace metallic and non-metallic materials, particularly materials used in lightweight, high-strength, high-temperature TPS applications.
Generate and support interface drawings defining critical mechanical and thermal features for hardware and TPS integration.
Design custom test fixtures and methodologies for qualification, verification, and development test programs.
Develop and support requirements documentation, including requirement specifications, verification plans, procedures, and hazard analyses.
Conduct technical and safety risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to meet industry standards and customer expectations.
Present design concepts and engineering details in customer-ready formats for design gate reviews and technical interchange meetings.
Collaborate with Design/Drafting, Analysis, Production, Quality Assurance, Health & Safety, Program Management, and Finance teams to execute TPS projects.
Support business development and technical sales, including proposal generation, customer-facing technical presentations, and engineering support during pre-award and post-award sales cycles.
Maintain regular attendance and adjust schedules to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Demonstrate professional behavior that supports productivity, teamwork, and cooperation.