Textile Engineering Specialist / Softgoods Engineering Technologist (Supporting NASA at Johnson Space Center)

KBR • Houston, TX

102d

About The Position

KBR is looking for a Textile Engineering Specialist/Softgoods Engineering Technologist in the Houston, Texas area. The role involves creating, prototyping, fabricating, and supporting the evaluation of cutting-edge functional textile products for next-generation exploration spacesuits and related support equipment for the Advanced Suit Team at JSC. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory environments, assuming responsibility for design assignments, and demonstrating proactive leadership in project completion. The position requires physical capability to handle and move materials and equipment, as well as research into emerging manufacturing methods and advanced materials. Effective communication of design concepts and rationale in comprehensive presentations is essential. The role also involves conducting equipment maintenance, repairs, and custom adaptations to optimize machinery for specialized operations, and the ability to operate in restricted spaces and navigate steps and ladders. Collaboration with engineering staff, technical personnel, and fellow designers is crucial to comprehend system requirements across diverse hardware platforms. Additional responsibilities include reviewing technical drawings, generating patterns, constructing prototypes, and executing additional tasks as assigned. The position may require periodic travel to additional NASA facilities or contractor sites for textile fabrication and installation activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma plus 5 years in textile/softgoods capacity OR Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or equivalent field.
• Track record of successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• Competency in CAD applications and related software including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to independently develop solutions for complex design problems.
• Proficiency across diverse hands-on manufacturing techniques and equipment.
• Background in textile development laboratory setting with focus on design and manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in industrial design, Fashion Design, or related discipline.
• Additional background in manufacturing, evaluation, or design methodologies for spacesuit technology.
• Knowledge of textile and fabric testing methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with prototype manufacturing processes for textile products.
• Knowledge of NASA/JSC softgoods design and development.
• Background in aerospace development processes including technical fabrication documentation.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino software platforms.

Responsibilities

• Create, prototype, fabricate, and support evaluation of functional textile products for exploration spacesuits.
• Maintain laboratory environments in clean, organized, and functional condition.
• Assume responsibility for design assignments and demonstrate proactive leadership.
• Research emerging manufacturing methods and advanced materials.
• Effectively communicate design concepts and rationale in presentations.
• Conduct equipment maintenance, repairs, and custom adaptations.
• Operate in restricted spaces and navigate steps and ladders.
• Partner and coordinate with engineering staff and technical personnel.
• Review technical drawings and document innovative design work.
• Generate patterns and construct prototypes to validate fit and functionality.
• Execute additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Operate with exceptional technical expertise and attention to craftsmanship.
• Travel to additional NASA facilities or contractor sites for textile activities.

Benefits

• 401K plan with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• AD&D, flexible spending account
• Disability, paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Career advancement through professional training and development

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree