Softgoods Engineering Technologist

Amentum•Houston, TX

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join the JETSII Contract with Oceaneering, a teammate company, supporting NASA’s deep space exploration programs. The role designs, develops, and fabricates functional softgoods for manned spaceflight, including stowage solutions, structural inflatables, ancillary space suit equipment, thermal blankets, and other deep-space products. The technologist works with engineers and designers to understand system and hardware requirements, presents design concepts, and takes ownership of design tasks through fabrication and review. Work includes developing patterns and mockups, interpreting and reviewing fabrication drawings, maintaining and modifying sewing machines, and exploring manufacturing techniques and materials. Occasional travel to other NASA centers may be required. The position is advertised at multiple levels, and the hiring level may depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and business needs. Candidates must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation; proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required. The general work environment is an office, though tasks may take place indoors or outdoors. Work may involve extended sitting or standing, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, and working in confined spaces or on steps and ladders. Regular attendance is critical, and the employee may need to adjust their schedule for peak periods and surge requirements.

Requirements

Typically, a high school diploma and five years of experience, or a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or a related field.
At least three years of experience in a softgoods lab environment, emphasizing softgoods design and fabrication.
Ability to independently devise solutions to complex design problems and solicit input from other technical experts.
Expertise in hands-on fabrication using equipment such as sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, band saws, and drills.
Demonstrated success working with a team.
Proficiency with Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency may be required.

Nice To Haves

BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design or equivalent.
Experience with aerospace product design processes, including reading, understanding, and creating fabrication drawings.
Experience with fabrication processes for prototyping and flight softgoods products.
Experience with Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software.
Familiarity with NASA/JSC Softgoods design and development and JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and fabricate functional softgoods articles for manned spaceflight, including stowage solutions, structural inflatables, ancillary space suit equipment, thermal blankets, and deep-space products.
Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations.
Collaborate with engineers and designers to understand requirements for a variety of systems and hardware.
Take ownership and show initiative in completing softgoods design tasks.
Perform sewing machine maintenance, repairs, and custom modifications for unique stitching operations.
Create patterns and develop mockups to verify the fit and function of softgoods articles.
Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products and review drawings before final release for flight fabrication.
Seek new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials.
Occasionally travel to other NASA centers to perform softgoods fabrication and installation.
Lift and transport materials and equipment and work in confined spaces and on steps and ladders.
Perform other duties as required.