Softgood Engineering Technologist

Amentum•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is hiring a Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join the Advanced Suit Team with Oceaneering, a teammate company, supporting NASA’s deep-space exploration work. The role designs, develops, fabricates, and supports testing of functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration spacesuits and related support items. It requires strong hands-on technical ability, careful craftsmanship, collaboration across engineering and fabrication disciplines, and initiative in carrying design work through to completion. The technologist creates patterns and mockups to verify fit and function, interprets fabrication drawings, and documents new designs, processes, and techniques. The role also maintains and modifies machinery, explores innovative materials and manufacturing methods, and keeps laboratory areas organized. Occasional travel to NASA centers or contractors may be required for fabrication and installation. The work is generally in an office environment but may involve indoor or outdoor work depending on the task. Regular attendance is important, and schedules may need to adjust to peak periods or surge requirements. Compensation starts at $58,900, with final pay based on experience, skills, and qualifications. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required, as is the ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Requirements

Typically, a high school diploma and five years of experience, or a bachelor of science in Engineering Technology or a related field.
Experience in a softgoods development lab, emphasizing softgoods design and fabrication.
Ability to independently devise solutions to complex design challenges and solicit input from other technical experts.
Expertise in hands-on fabrication techniques and sewing processes, including sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, bandsaws, drills, and hand tools.
Demonstrated success working with a cross-disciplinary team.
Proficiency with CAD programs and software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino 8.
Ability to lift and transport materials and equipment, and to work in confined spaces and climb stairs, steps, and ladders.
Ability to work outside the normal schedule and adjust schedules to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Professional behavior that promotes productivity, teamwork, and cooperation.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation; proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required.

Nice To Haves

A BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or an equivalent field.
Experience with aerospace product design processes, including reading, understanding, and creating fabrication drawings.
Experience with prototyping processes for softgoods products.
Familiarity with softgoods article and textile testing procedures.
Additional experience in manufacturing, testing, or design processes that could benefit advanced spacesuit technology development.
Understanding of the characteristics and properties of advanced space-grade textiles and other materials.
Familiarity with NASA/JSC softgoods design and development and JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, fabricate, and support testing of functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration spacesuits and ancillary support items.
Collaborate and communicate with engineers, technicians, and designers to understand requirements for suited space systems and hardware.
Present design concepts and considerations clearly and thoroughly.
Take ownership of design tasks and show initiative in completing projects.
Perform machine maintenance, repairs, and custom modifications for specialized operations.
Create patterns and mockups to verify the fit and function of softgoods articles.
Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products and other softgoods.
Document new design work and clearly define processes and techniques.
Seek out new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials.
Keep laboratory spaces clean, organized, and well maintained.
Occasionally travel to NASA centers or contractors to perform softgoods fabrication and installation.
Perform other duties as required.