Thermal Protection System (TPS) Spacecraft Technician, Associate
About The Position
ASRC Federal System Solutions (AFSS) is seeking a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician Associate to support Orion spacecraft processing operations at Kennedy Space Center. This role is primarily focused on soft goods TPS (MLI and thermal barriers) supporting fabrication, installation and validation of flight hardware, with secondary responsibilities supporting hard goods TPS (tile systems). This position plays a key role in ensuring thermal protection integrity for crewed spaceflight, operating within a precision-driven ATLO environment. Roles and Responsibilities Major Focus – Soft Goods TPS (MLI / Thermal Barriers) Fabricate, assemble, and install Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) and thermal barrier systems for Orion flight hardwareSet up and operate industrial sewing machines for precision soft goods fabricationPerform and support thermal barrier bonding operationsReview and validate MLI and thermal barrier procedures, drawings, and work instructionsSupport on-vehicle and off-vehicle installation (Aeroshells, Hatches, Heatshield)Assist in development and execution of MLI/soft goods flow plans within the ATLO environment Perform surface preparation and bonding operations in accordance with strict quality requirements Minor Focus – Hard Goods TPS (Tile Systems) Heat Shield (Avcoat block Bonding) Assist with tile installation, bonding, and repair activitiesSupport gap filler and closeout tile operationsAid in tile removal, reinstallation, and validation processesContribute to tile bond plan reviews and process validation efforts Shared Responsibilities (Orion Processing Environment) Work from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructionsSupport instrumentation installation and integration activitiesUtilize standard aerospace assembly tools and materialsPerform modifications, rework, inspections, and quality testingMaintain strict adherence to cleanliness, contamination control, and flight hardware handling requirementsSupport production flow, risk reduction, and mission assurance effort
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 0–2 years of hands-on fabrication or technical experience
- Ability to perform precision assembly and sewing/fabrication tasks
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Ability to work in a production and flight hardware environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience with MLI, thermal barriers, or soft goods fabrication
- Experience operating industrial sewing equipment
- Familiarity with spacecraft processing or cleanroom environments
- Exposure to TPS tile systems (secondary skillset)
Responsibilities
- Fabricate, assemble, and install Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) and thermal barrier systems for Orion flight hardware
- Set up and operate industrial sewing machines for precision soft goods fabrication
- Perform and support thermal barrier bonding operations
- Review and validate MLI and thermal barrier procedures, drawings, and work instructions
- Support on-vehicle and off-vehicle installation (Aeroshells, Hatches, Heatshield)
- Assist in development and execution of MLI/soft goods flow plans within the ATLO environment
- Perform surface preparation and bonding operations in accordance with strict quality requirements
- Assist with tile installation, bonding, and repair activities
- Support gap filler and closeout tile operations
- Aid in tile removal, reinstallation, and validation processes
- Contribute to tile bond plan reviews and process validation efforts
- Work from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions
- Support instrumentation installation and integration activities
- Utilize standard aerospace assembly tools and materials
- Perform modifications, rework, inspections, and quality testing
- Maintain strict adherence to cleanliness, contamination control, and flight hardware handling requirements
- Support production flow, risk reduction, and mission assurance effort
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
