Softgood Engineering Technologist

Amentum•Houston, TX

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join the Advanced Suit Team, working with Oceaneering on NASA deep-space exploration programs. The role designs, develops, fabricates, and supports testing of functional softgoods for advanced exploration space suits and related support items. It requires strong technical proficiency, careful craftsmanship, initiative, and effective collaboration with engineers, technicians, and designers. The technologist creates patterns and mockups, interprets fabrication drawings, assembles sewn products and other softgoods, documents designs and production techniques, and explores new manufacturing methods and materials. The role also includes maintaining and modifying equipment, maintaining an organized laboratory, and occasional travel to NASA centers or contractor locations for fabrication and installation. Work is generally in an office environment but may take place indoors or outdoors depending on the task, and may involve working in confined spaces and transporting materials and equipment. The position has been posted at multiple levels, and the company may consider candidates at any advertised level based on experience, requirements, and business needs. A high school diploma with five years of experience or a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or a related field is typically required. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required, and candidates must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Requirements

Typically requires a high school diploma and five years of experience, or a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or a related field.
Experience in a softgoods development lab environment, with emphasis on 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 complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency may be required.
Ability to work outside the normal schedule and adjust schedules to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule is critical.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work in confined spaces and climb stairs, steps, and ladders.

Nice To Haves

A BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or equivalent.
Experience with aerospace product design processes, including reading, understanding, and creating fabrication drawings.
Experience fabricating prototypes of softgoods products.
Familiarity with softgoods article and textile testing procedures.
Additional manufacturing, testing, or design experience that could support development of advanced space suit technologies.
Understanding of 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 for advanced exploration space suits 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 and assemble sewn products and other softgoods.
Document new design work and define processes and techniques.
Seek 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.
Lift and transport materials and equipment; work in confined spaces and climb stairs, steps, and ladders.
Perform other duties as required.