Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician (ET5)

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Non‑Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team is seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician to support the application, processing, and documentation of aerospace thermal protection materials. This role focuses on spraying insulative aerospace foams, applying aerospace coatings/paints, dispensing pour‑foams and adhesives, performing surface preparation and masking, and executing precision machining tasks. The technician will follow detailed instructions and procedures while supporting TPS processing in a laboratory environment, contributing directly to flight and development hardware.

Requirements

High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent; candidate must have at least 10 years of experience and continuing education, or an associate’s degree or equivalent and at least 6 years of experience that proves mechanical aptitude and ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
Hands‑on experience in laboratory, shop, coating, painting, or materials processing environments.
Ability to follow detailed procedures, safety protocols, and engineering instructions accurately.
Familiarity with spray systems, adhesives, coatings, or polymer‑based materials, or willingness to learn.
Experience using measurement tools, basic machining tools, and standard laboratory/shop equipment.
Basic computer skills and comfort with electronic documentation systems.
Must be a US Citizen and have a STAR ID.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying aerospace foams, coatings, adhesives, or similar TPS materials.
Background in coating application, paint booth operation, mask‑and‑prep work, or polymer processing.
Prior work involving machining, fixture fabrication, or precision hardware preparation.
Experience operating automated mixing, spraying, or dispensing equipment.
Familiarity with non‑metallic materials, including foams, polymers, adhesives, and elastomers.

Responsibilities

Apply aerospace insulative spray foams, coatings, and paints following controlled procedures and engineering instructions.
Perform pour‑foam mixing, dispensing, and curing operations, including mold preparation and adhesive application.
Conduct surface preparation and masking operations on flight and development hardware to ensure proper material adhesion and quality.
Operate shop tools and perform light machining required for fixture preparation, sample fabrication, and TPS processing support.
Follow detailed work instructions, material process specifications, and quality documentation requirements.
Maintain accurate process documentation, including material traceability, environmental conditions, and equipment usage logs.
Assist in setup, operation, and troubleshooting of automated or semi‑automated spray equipment and mixing/dispensing tools.
Support maintenance of laboratory equipment, consumable tracking, safety compliance, and cleanliness standards.
Document work performed, recording observations, deviations, and configuration changes with high accuracy.
Assist engineers with test article preparation, prototype TPS development, and continuous improvement of material processing workflows.