Textile Chemical Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace • Houston, TX

25d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you! We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. We have an exciting opportunity for a Textile Chemical Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. If selected you will: Lead and support the evaluation, selection, optimization and development of softgoods materials (e.g., textiles, films, nonwovens) for NASA crewed spaceflight systems, including garments, habitat interiors, space suit materials, parachutes, inflatable structures, hygiene/sanitation products, etc. Identify, formulate, and apply functional coatings and finishes to textiles to meet mission-specific requirements such as flame resistance, thermal regulation, microbial control, abrasion resistance, lunar regolith protection, etc. Support various NASA programs by leading the technology development of various textile coating systems to enhance the performance of textiles in extreme environment, such as high oxygen, vacuum, and cryogenic temperatures. Act as primary reviewer and approver for NASA Material Usage Agreements (MUL) to ensure materials are compliant to be used in specific test conditions for testing performed in NASA thermal vacuum chambers. Provide technical support related to non-metallic and softgoods materials for R&D activities under the NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of non-metallic and softgoods materials. Perform testing and characterization on non-metallic materials as needed. Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Experience on formulating chemical finishes or coatings to impart specific functional properties to textiles (e.g., flame retardancy, abrasion resistance, water/oil repellency, anti-microbial growth).
• Experience on applying coatings to textiles using methods such as impregnation, knife-over-roll, spraying, or other industrial finishing techniques
• Experience working with high performance fibers and good understanding on different textile structures and their manufacturing methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a multidisciplinary field.
• Self-starter and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Nice To Haves

• 3-7 years of relevant experience in textile engineering and textile chemistry, with demonstrated knowledge in textile coating formulation and application.
• Bachelor's or higher education in Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Fiber Science, Polymer Science or closely related field.
• M.S. or PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of direct experience with textiles characterization, formulating chemical finishes or coatings, fiber science.
• Previous experience supporting a NASA program on structural textiles and soft goods development.
• Experience on technical or functional textile material development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the evaluation, selection, optimization and development of softgoods materials (e.g., textiles, films, nonwovens) for NASA crewed spaceflight systems, including garments, habitat interiors, space suit materials, parachutes, inflatable structures, hygiene/sanitation products, etc.
• Identify, formulate, and apply functional coatings and finishes to textiles to meet mission-specific requirements such as flame resistance, thermal regulation, microbial control, abrasion resistance, lunar regolith protection, etc.
• Support various NASA programs by leading the technology development of various textile coating systems to enhance the performance of textiles in extreme environment, such as high oxygen, vacuum, and cryogenic temperatures.
• Act as primary reviewer and approver for NASA Material Usage Agreements (MUL) to ensure materials are compliant to be used in specific test conditions for testing performed in NASA thermal vacuum chambers.
• Provide technical support related to non-metallic and softgoods materials for R&D activities under the NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of non-metallic and softgoods materials.
• Perform testing and characterization on non-metallic materials as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Positive work-life balance
• 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level